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US-India Crackdown: 200+ Illegal Pharmacy Domains Seized in Drug Bust

The US Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with Indian authorities, has seized over 200 website domains linked to an India-based transnational criminal organization operating illegal online pharmacies. The group is allegedly responsible for multiple fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the United States. The operation, which began in late January 2026, led to four arrests and several administrative actions against DEA registrants. Investigators found the pharmacies were illegally shipping diverted medications without valid prescriptions, violating the Controlled Substances Act.

Key Points: US-India Op Seizes 200+ Domains in Illegal Drug Trafficking Bust

  • 200+ website domains seized
  • Tied to India-based criminal group
  • Linked to fatal overdoses
  • 4 individuals arrested in US operations
2 min read

India aids US to crackdown on illegal drug trafficking

DEA, with India's help, dismantles a transnational criminal organization tied to fatal overdoses and illegal online pharmacies. 4 arrests made.

"collaborated with Government of India law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations - US DEA"

Washington DC, February 5

The US Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday said it collaborated with Government of India law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations that engage in these types of illegal drug trafficking operations.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration, with the cooperation of the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, announced the seizure of more than 200 website domains tied to an India-based transnational criminal organization (TCO) working within the United States and allegedly responsible for at least six fatal and four non-fatal overdoses. The TCO tied to these illegal online pharmacies has been under investigation by DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division since 2022.

Beginning on January 27, 2026, DEA field offices throughout the United States conducted multiple operations leading to the arrest of four individuals along with the issuance of five Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) and one Order to Show Cause (OTSC), both of which are administrative actions taken against DEA registrants in order to protect the public from dangers to public health or safety.

Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), DEA regulates the handling, storage, and distribution of controlled substances in the custody of pharmacies. The CSA stipulates that pharmacies are only authorized to dispense controlled substances upon receipt of a valid prescription, issued for a legitimate medical purpose, by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her professional practice.

Investigators determined the operators of these online pharmacies and their co-conspirators were illegally dispensing and shipping diverted medications, without valid prescriptions, to customers throughout the United States, violating the CSA and dangerously infiltrating a closed system of distribution intended to keep patients safe.

Over the course of this investigation, DEA identified thousands of customers who purchased medication through these online pharmacies. Subsequently, DEA has sent more than 20,000 letters to the public requesting information in support of this ongoing investigation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see action being taken. But we must also ask why these operations were based in India? Our own drug laws need stricter enforcement to prevent our country from being used as a hub for such activities.
R
Rohit P
Cooperation is good, but hope this is a two-way street. The US should also help India tackle the opioid and synthetic drug problem that sometimes originates from other regions. Partnership should be mutual.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in the US, it's terrifying to think about fatal overdoses from illegal drugs. Glad India is helping, but the scale is shocking - 200 websites and 20,000 letters? The problem is huge.
V
Vikram M
This is the kind of global diplomacy that matters more than headlines. Quiet, effective police work saving lives. Kudos to our officers. Hope the criminals face the full force of the law, both there and here.
K
Karthik V
While I support the crackdown, I have a respectful criticism. The article frames it as "India aids US." Shouldn't it be "India and US collaborate"? The language still feels a bit colonial, like we are just assisting their mission. We are equal partners in fighting a common threat.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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