US shuts down 200+ India-linked illegal online pharmacies in Operation Meltdown

US federal authorities have seized over 200 website domains tied to an India-based transnational criminal organisation accused of running illegal online pharmacies responsible for multiple deaths and overdoses. The crackdown, called Operation Meltdown , also led to the arrest of four individuals and the issuance of several administrative orders aimed at protecting public health.

“These criminal organisations exploit our healthcare system, hide behind the internet, and use people inside the United States to move dangerous drugs under the guise of legitimate commerce,” DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said. “Illegal online pharmacies put poison in American communities. They sell counterfeit and unapproved pills and do not care who gets hurt or who dies.”

Authorities said the websites sold prescription medications without valid prescriptions and shipped them directly to US customers, often using counterfeit pills containing fentanyl or methamphetamine . Many of the drugs were diverted from legitimate supply chains, creating serious risks to public safety.

The websites often used US-based domain names and professional designs to appear legitimate, falsely claiming FDA approval and US operations. Behind the scenes, investigators traced backend infrastructure, payment processing, and operational control to networks in India, with assistance from Indian law enforcement.

While the DEA has not released all the domains seized, previous enforcement alerts show similar rogue sites include Curecog.com, Pharmacystoresonline.com, Careonlinestore.com, YourPharmacy.online, MD724.com, Greenleafdispensarystore.com, Whatishydrocodone.weebly.com, and Orderpainkillersonline.com . Experts warn these sites often do not require prescriptions, charge unusual prices, lack proper licensing, and ship in suspicious packaging.

The investigation, led by the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division since 2022, identified thousands of US customers who purchased medications from these illegal pharmacies. More than 20,000 letters have been sent to the public seeking information to aid the ongoing probe.

The DEA emphasized that the action reflects its broader efforts to disrupt illicit pharmaceutical networks and protect communities. “If you run these sites, supply them, move the money, or help them operate, we will find you, dismantle your operations, and hold you fully accountable under US law,” Cole said.

Earlier in 2024, the DEA had issued warnings about a surge in illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills to unsuspecting Americans, underlining the importance of verifying legitimate pharmacies using programs like FDA’s BeSafeRx and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s verification system.