Top News

New York: Federal authorities in the United States have taken action against over 200 website domains associated with a transnational criminal organization based in India, which is believed to be running illegal online pharmacies linked to at least six deaths and four non-fatal overdoses.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that its field offices across the nation executed several operations that resulted in the arrest of four individuals, as detailed in a statement released on Wednesday.

In collaboration with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, the DEA announced the seizure of these domains as part of Operation Meltdown, targeting the criminal organization allegedly responsible for these overdoses.

The investigation into these organizations has been ongoing since 2022, led by the DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division.

The DEA emphasized its commitment to working with Indian law enforcement to identify and dismantle these dangerous criminal networks involved in illegal drug trafficking.

Through coordinated efforts, the DEA aims to take significant enforcement actions against illicit pharmaceutical distributors and is dedicated to disrupting the flow of harmful drugs that jeopardize public health and safety in the U.S.

Beginning January 27, 2026, DEA field offices conducted multiple operations that led to the arrests and the issuance of five Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) and one Order to Show Cause (OTSC).

These measures complement the U.S. Government's efforts to shut down over 200 online pharmacies accused of processing hundreds of thousands of orders for diverted pharmaceuticals and counterfeit medications without valid prescriptions.

Investigators found that the operators of these online pharmacies and their accomplices were illegally dispensing and shipping diverted medications to customers across the United States, violating federal regulations and undermining a secure distribution system meant to protect patients.

Throughout this investigation, the DEA identified thousands of customers who purchased medications from these online pharmacies and has sent over 20,000 letters to the public seeking information to support the ongoing investigation.

"This case illustrates how traffickers based abroad exploit our healthcare system, using the internet to distribute dangerous drugs under the guise of legitimate business," stated DEA Administrator Terrance Cole.

"Illegal online pharmacies introduce harmful substances into American communities. They sell counterfeit and unapproved medications without regard for the health and safety of individuals. Actions like these are crucial for saving lives and protecting the American populace. If you are involved in these operations, we will find you, dismantle your activities, and hold you accountable under U.S. law."

Earlier in 2024, the DEA issued a Public Service Announcement alerting Americans to the rise of illegal online pharmacies, many of which sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to unsuspecting customers who believed they were purchasing legitimate medications.

These illegal pharmacies often use U.S.-based web addresses and professional designs to create a facade of legitimacy, which is misleading.

"These companies operate unlawfully, intentionally deceiving American customers into thinking they are purchasing safe, regulated medications," the statement noted.

Many of the sites shut down during Operation Meltdown claimed to be legitimate and FDA-approved, but the DEA's investigation revealed that the operators were often collaborating with drug traffickers to fulfill orders with counterfeit pills or diverted pharmaceuticals.

These counterfeit medications frequently contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, posing serious health risks, including harmful side effects, ineffective treatment, and even death.