The US DEA seized over 200 website domains linked to an India-based criminal group accused of running illegal online pharmacies and supplying drugs across America.
US Cracks Down on India-Based Drug Network, Takes Down 200+ Websites (Source: Gemini AI)
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has taken control of more than 200 website domains connected to a criminal group based in India. Officials say the group operated illegal online pharmacies and supplied drugs across the United States. The action followed a long investigation and is part of a larger effort to stop unlawful drug sales on the internet.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the DEA said the seized websites were linked to an India-based transnational criminal organisation. Authorities believe this group distributed controlled medicines through websites that pretended to be legitimate pharmacies.
The crackdown was carried out with the cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Investigators say the organisation has been connected to at least six fatal overdose cases and four non-fatal overdose incidents.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in a release that the organisation has been under probe by the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division since 2022 for allegedly distributing controlled substances through unauthorised websites posing as legitimate pharmacies.
Starting January 27, 2026, DEA field offices across the country launched coordinated enforcement actions that led to the arrest of four individuals. Officials also issued five Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) and one Order to Show Cause (OTSC). These administrative actions are used to suspend or restrict registrations to safeguard public health and safety.
The agency said it is working closely with international partners to tackle cross-border drug trafficking networks.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in a release that it continues to collaborate with Indian law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and dismantle criminal organisations involved in illegal pharmaceutical sales and narcotics distribution.
Authorities described the action as part of a broader effort to curb the rising danger posed by illegal online drug markets. Their goal is to protect communities from harmful and unregulated substances.
