The United States has shut down over 200 illegal online pharmacies connected to an India-based criminal network, in a major operation aimed at curbing the sale of counterfeit and unregulated drugs. Dubbed Operation Meltdown, the crackdown was led by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in coordination with the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and authorities in India.
The illegal pharmacies were found to be distributing prescription drugs without valid prescriptions, often misleading customers by claiming to be legitimate, FDA-approved US-based businesses. Investigators said the operation targeted websites that processed hundreds of thousands of orders, many of which contained dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine, posing serious health risks.
Since 2022, the DEA has been investigating these networks, which are believed to be linked to six overdose deaths and four non-fatal cases in the US. During the recent crackdown, authorities seized the domain names of more than 200 websites and arrested four individuals associated with the scheme. In addition, officials issued five Immediate Suspension Orders and one Order to Show Cause to prevent further unlawful drug sales.
The DEA has also contacted over 20,000 customers who purchased from these websites to gather information and raise awareness about the dangers of illicit online pharmacies. Federal officials warned that such networks exploit the anonymity of the internet to evade regulation and endanger public health.
“This operation highlights the serious threat posed by illegal online pharmacies and our commitment to protecting Americans from unsafe drugs,” the DEA said in a statement. Authorities urged consumers to verify online pharmacies through licensed and regulated channels before buying prescription medicines.
