U.S. shuts down 200 ‘illegal’ online pharmacies tied to an India-based criminal organisation, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) shut down over 200 online pharmacies linked to an India-based transnational criminal organisation (TCO).
• The TCO is allegedly responsible for at least six fatal and four non-fatal overdoses.
• Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation.
• The operation, executed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, has been under investigation since 2022.

Detailed Insights:

• The DEA is collaborating with Indian law enforcement to dismantle criminal organizations involved in illegal drug trafficking.
• Searches were conducted across the U.S. on January 27, leading to arrests and the issuance of Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) and an Order to Show Cause (OTSC) against pharmacies.
• The online pharmacies are accused of filling orders for diverted pharmaceuticals and counterfeit pills without valid prescriptions.
• Many of the shut-down sites falsely claimed to be legitimate, U.S.-based, and FDA-approved, but were found to be working with drug traffickers.
• The DEA cautioned against the rise in illegal online pharmacies in 2024, many of which sold counterfeit pills made with fentanyl.
• Counterfeit medications often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, posing serious health risks, including death.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO): A group operating across national borders to engage in illegal activities.
• Fentanyl: A powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
• Counterfeit Pills: Fake medications that may contain incorrect dosages or dangerous substances like fentanyl.