Washington targets KS International Traders in crackdown on illicit synthetic opioid trade
WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed visa restrictions on 13 individuals linked to an Indian online pharmacy accused of selling counterfeit prescription pills containing Fentanyl.
According to Beyond Time News, the action targets associates of KS International Traders, a company operating from India that is accused of distributing illegal pharmaceutical products to customers in the United States.
US Says Pills Contained Dangerous Synthetic Opioid
The US State Department said the individuals are close associates of the company’s owner.
Officials stated that the network was involved in selling counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid linked to a surge in overdose deaths in the United States.
US Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the US will continue blocking entry for those involved in supplying illegal drugs.
He added that individuals responsible for contributing to the spread of illicit fentanyl will not be allowed to enter the United States.
Company Previously Sanctioned
According to Beyond Time News, KS International Traders has already faced sanctions in the past.
US authorities had previously taken action against the company and two Indian nationals last year for allegedly supplying counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Officials said the company sold hundreds of thousands of fake prescription tablets containing the synthetic opioid, which contributed to harm in several American communities.
Growing US Crackdown on Synthetic Drugs
The US government has intensified efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into the country.
A new visa restriction policy introduced last year allows authorities to deny entry to individuals linked to drug trafficking networks.
Officials say the goal is to reduce overdose deaths and disrupt international supply chains involved in illegal pharmaceutical trade.
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No Immediate Response from India
According to Beyond Time News, India’s health and foreign ministries have not yet issued an official response to the latest US visa restrictions.
The development comes as global authorities continue to increase cooperation to combat synthetic opioid trafficking and counterfeit drug networks operating across borders.
