Federal Prosecutors Indict 18 Suspects After 9 Killed by Pills Sold Through Fake Online Pharmacies

The counterfeit pills were made in New York using fentanyl sourced from Mexico and sold online to buyers around the world, authorities said.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams speaks about a drug trafficking case during a press conference at Federal Plaza in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. Pamela Smith/AP Photo

Federal prosecutors announced on Sept. 30 that they indicted 18 drug trafficking suspects linked to a network that allegedly distributed synthetic opioids disguised as prescription drugs through fraudulent online drugstores.

Between August 2023 and June 2024, nine people died from taking the counterfeit medication.