WASHINGTON / NEW YORK — In a major enforcement action dubbed “Operation Meltdown,” the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the seizure of more than 200 website domains. These sites were allegedly operated by an India-based Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) that flooded the United States with diverted pharmaceuticals and counterfeit pills.
1. The Toll: Fatalities and Overdoses
The investigation, led by the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division since 2022, has linked the organization’s activities to a trail of human tragedy:
- Fatal Overdoses: At least six deaths in the US have been directly tied to substances purchased through these illicit websites.
- Non-Fatal Incidents: Four other individuals suffered severe, non-fatal overdoses.
- Counterfeit Risk: Many of these sites posed as legitimate US-based pharmacies while shipping pills laced with fentanyl or other dangerous synthetic opioids.
2. Inside the “Shadow Pharmacy” System
The TCO utilized a sophisticated digital architecture to deceive American consumers:
- The Guise: Websites used professional designs and “.com” or “.us” addresses to appear FDA-approved.
- No Prescriptions: Drugs were sold without valid medical prescriptions, bypassing the “closed system of distribution” meant to protect patients.
- The Arrests: Coordinated raids starting January 27, 2026, led to the arrest of four individuals within the US who acted as “domestic movers” for the foreign traffickers.
3. DEA Administrator’s Stance: A Message to Foreign Traffickers
In his first major action against an international network since being sworn in, DEA Administrator Terrance “Terry” Cole emphasized the agency’s “zero-tolerance” approach under the current administration.
“This case demonstrates how foreign-based traffickers 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. Illegal online pharmacies put poison in American communities.” — Terrance Cole, DEA Administrator
4. Summary of Enforcement Actions
| Action Type | Quantity | Purpose |
| Domain Seizures | 200+ | To shut down traffic to illegal online storefronts. |
| Arrests | 4 | Targeting US-based associates and logistics handlers. |
| Immediate Suspension Orders (ISO) | 5 | Administrative actions to freeze DEA registrations. |
| Letters to the Public | 20,000+ | Information requests sent to identified customers of these sites. |