US Cracks Down on Indian Online Pharmacy for Fentanyl Trafficking

The US has imposed visa restrictions on key figures linked to an Indian online pharmacy involved in selling illicit fentanyl. This move aims to combat the supply of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, a drug classified as a Weapon of Mass Destruction, further highlighting US-India efforts to counter illicit drug networks.

The United States has enforced visa restrictions on individuals associated with an Indian online pharmacy, accused of trafficking illicit fentanyl to Americans. The State Department's move targets 13 people linked to KS International Traders, which reportedly sold counterfeit medication laced with the dangerous opioid.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott emphasized that KS International Traders profited from trafficking fentanyl, declared a Weapon of Mass Destruction by an executive order under former President Donald Trump. The action, taken under the Immigration and Nationality Act, reflects the commitment of the US and India to tackle entities perpetuating the opioid crisis.

Last year, US sanctions targeted two Indian nationals and an online pharmacy distributing similar counterfeit pills. Recent arrests by Indian authorities of individuals like Satishkumar Hareshbhai Sutaria, linked to trading in fentanyl precursors, underscore ongoing international cooperation against drug trafficking networks.