State Department says network sold counterfeit fentanyl-linked prescription pills to buyers in US

Packets of fentanyl mostly in powder form and methamphetamine, which U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized from a truck crossing into Arizona from Mexico, is on display during a news conference at the Port of Nogales, Arizona, U.S., January 31, 2019. Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Handout via REUTERS

The United States on Tuesday announced visa restrictions against 13 individuals linked to Indian online pharmacy KS International Traders for allegedly distributing counterfeit prescription drugs containing fentanyl.

In a statement, the US State Department said the individuals were close associates of KS International Traders and its owner, which was based in India.

“Sanctioned online pharmacies like KS International Traders, based in India, have sold hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit fentanyl to unsuspecting victims across the US,” the statement said.

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The department said KS International Traders generated revenue through fentanyl trafficking, noting that US President Donald Trump had designated fentanyl a “Weapon of Mass Destruction.”

The statement said the move underscored the US’ and India’s “enduring and shared commitment to dismantling illicit drug entities.”

“Those complicit in poisoning Americans will be denied entry to the US,” it added.