- 200+ website domains seized in Operation Meltdown
- Illegal pharmacies linked to six fatal and four non-fatal overdoses
- Four arrests made across multiple US states
- Thousands of customers identified; 20,000 warning letters sent
- Sites sold counterfeit and diverted drugs, often laced with fentanyl
US federal authorities have seized more than 200 website domains connected to an India-based transnational criminal organization accused of operating illegal online pharmacies responsible for multiple overdoses across the United States.
The coordinated enforcement action, known as Operation Meltdown, was led by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with the US attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York. Officials said the network’s online pharmacies were allegedly linked to at least six fatal overdoses and four non-fatal overdoses involving counterfeit or diverted prescription drugs.
Beginning January 27, 2026, DEA field offices nationwide conducted simultaneous operations that resulted in the arrest of four individuals. Authorities also issued five Immediate Suspension Orders and one Order to Show Cause, effectively shutting down additional entities involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals.
In parallel, the US government dismantled more than 200 online pharmacy websites accused of filling hundreds of thousands of orders for controlled substances and counterfeit pills without valid prescriptions. Investigators said the scale of the operation posed a serious threat to public health.
The DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division has been investigating the illegal pharmacy network since 2022. Officials determined that operators and their co-conspirators illegally dispensed and shipped diverted medications across the United States, violating federal regulations and bypassing safeguards designed to protect patients.
The online pharmacies used professional-looking websites, US-based domain names, and false claims of FDA approval to appear legitimate. In reality, investigators found the operators often worked with drug traffickers to fulfill orders using counterfeit pills or diverted pharmaceuticals.
Many of the counterfeit medications sold through these websites were found to contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, dramatically increasing the risk of overdose. Customers believed they were purchasing safe, regulated prescription drugs, but instead received substances that could cause serious injury or death.
Over the course of the investigation, the DEA identified thousands of customers who purchased drugs from these sites. As part of its ongoing inquiry, the agency has sent more than 20,000 letters requesting information from the public.
The DEA emphasized that it is working closely with Indian law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations involved in illegal pharmaceutical trafficking.
“Leveraging our global reach, the DEA actively collaborates with Government of India law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illicit pharmaceuticals at the source,” the agency said, adding that further enforcement actions are expected.
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the case highlights how foreign-based traffickers exploit the US healthcare system and hide behind the anonymity of the internet.
“Illegal online pharmacies put poison in American communities,” Cole said. “They sell counterfeit and unapproved pills and do not care who gets hurt or who dies. If you run these sites, supply them, move the money, ship the product, or help them operate, we will find you and hold you fully accountable under US law.”
Earlier in 2024, the DEA issued a public service announcement warning Americans about a sharp increase in illegal online pharmacies. Many of these operations continue to masquerade as legitimate US-based pharmacies while selling dangerous counterfeit drugs.
Authorities warn that purchasing prescription medications online without proper verification carries severe risks and urge consumers to use only licensed, regulated pharmacies to protect their health and safety.
