US Visa Restrictions on 13 India Pharmacy Associates

The U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions Tuesday on 13 individuals identified as close business associates of KS International Traders, an India-based online pharmacy accused of selling hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit fentanyl to customers in the United States.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the measures target those linked to the firm and its owner, which authorities allege generated revenue through fentanyl trafficking activities. The restrictions, imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, bar the individuals from entering the United States. "Illicit fentanyl is killing too many Americans," Pigott stated. "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 United States, devastating families and communities nationwide."

Pigott emphasized the action reflects a shared U.S.-India commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks. "This action underscores the United States and India's enduring and shared commitment to...