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U.S. Shuts Down Over 200 Illegal Online Pharmacies Tied to India-Based TCOs in Operation Meltdown
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized over 200 website domains operated by India-based transnational criminal organizations selling counterfeit and unapproved drugs, linked to at least six fatal overdoses. The operation included arrests and administrative orders.
Why It Matters
The action disrupts illicit distribution of dangerous counterfeit pills, including those laced with fentanyl, protecting public health amid rising overdose deaths in the U.S.
Timeline
6 Events
DEA Announces Seizure of Over 200 Website Domains
January 29, 2025
DEA publicly announces shutdown of more than 200 illegal online pharmacy websites tied to India-based TCOs as part of Operation Meltdown.
Operation Meltdown Enforcement Actions Begin
January 27, 2025
DEA field offices conduct coordinated operations across the U.S., arresting four individuals and issuing five Immediate Suspension Orders and one Order to Show Cause.
Treasury Sanctions Indian Nationals and Online Pharmacy
2025 (exact date unspecified)
U.S. Treasury's OFAC sanctions Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed, Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, and KS International Traders for supplying counterfeit pills.
DEA Issues Public Service Announcement on Illegal Online Pharmacies
October 4, 2024
DEA warns Americans about increase in illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills made with fentanyl or methamphetamine.
DOJ Indicts Indian Nationals in Southern District of New York
September 2024
Federal grand jury indicts Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh on narcotics-related charges for supplying counterfeit pills.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Begins Investigation
2022
DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division initiates investigation into online pharmacies linked to India-based transnational criminal organizations selling counterfeit drugs.