New York, February 6 (IANS). As part of greater cooperation with India in the ongoing campaign against narcotics, the US has taken major action against a network of online drug smugglers linked to India. According to US officials, this network is said to be responsible for six deaths due to drug overdose in America.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said it has arrested four people in the US under “Operation Meltdown” and seized 200 websites linked to an India-based Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO).
DEA said it is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies of the Government of India, using its global reach, to identify, investigate and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations that engage in illicit drug trafficking.
Announcing the action, DEA Administrator Terrence Cole said, “This case shows how foreign traffickers abuse our healthcare system, hide behind the Internet, and supply dangerous drugs to people inside the United States under the guise of legitimate trade.”
According to the DEA and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the websites that were seized appeared to be legitimate online pharmacies, but were selling drugs illegally.
The DEA reported that it has identified thousands of customers of these online pharmacies and has sent more than 20,000 letters to gather information from the public in support of the investigation. The identity of the TCO in question has not been revealed, but according to the agency he had been under investigation by the Colorado-based DEA field office since 2022.
This was followed by a series of raids by DEA field offices across the US starting January 27, in which four people were arrested. The agency also said it has issued five Immediate Suspension Orders (ISOs) and one Order to Show Cause (OTSC) against certain “pharmacies” that may have had some form of DEA registration.
According to the DEA, the online pharmacies that were shut down had US web addresses and professional designs to make themselves appear legitimate. But the counterfeit drugs being sold were often laced with fentanyl or methamphetamine, which can pose serious health risks, harmful side effects, and even death.
Investigation revealed that these online pharmacies and their associates made illegal supply and shipment of medicines without valid prescription, which is in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. According to the DEA, smugglers were thus breaking into the closed distribution system that is meant to ensure patient safety through prescription drugs.
US President Donald Trump has made the war against illegal drugs, especially fentanyl, one of his top priorities. According to the US government, 73,000 people died from drug overdoses in the 12 months ending in August.
Trump has threatened China, a major source of the chemicals used to make fentanyl, of tariffs and other punitive measures. He also cited his alleged role in drug trafficking as a major reason for the removal of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
America has attacked boats allegedly carrying drugs and has also warned of action against other countries including Colombia, Mexico. However, India has not been targeted because the Indian government’s cooperation in the fight against drugs and India being a limited source of drug trafficking in the global context are both considered important factors.
–IANS
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