The United States has seized more than 200 illegal online pharmacies connected to an India-based international criminal organization, according to a statement from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The agency said multiple nationwide operations led to the arrest of four individuals. The DEA described the pharmacies as spreading poison among Americans by selling counterfeit and unauthorized pills. The enforcement actions began on January 27 across the country.

Investigations into these online pharmacies had been ongoing since 2022. The DEA stated that the operations were conducted jointly with Indian law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug traffickers. The agency emphasized that such joint actions aim to curb the flow of dangerous and unapproved drugs that threaten public health and safety in the United States.

During the investigation, the DEA identified thousands of customers who had purchased drugs from these websites and sent over 2,000 letters seeking public information. The agency also issued five immediate suspension orders and one show-cause notice as part of the crackdown.