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U.S. Sanctions Two Indians and India-Based Online Pharmacy Over Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills

The OFAC designations freeze U.S.-linked assets to advance a broader push to cut off online suppliers fueling fentanyl deaths.

Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley said that too many families have been torn apart by fentanyl.
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Overview

  • OFAC named Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh and designated KS International Traders, also known as KS Pharmacy.
  • Treasury said the network pushed hundreds of thousands of fake pills marketed as legitimate medicines but containing fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and methamphetamine.
  • Authorities said the operators used encrypted messaging and collaborated with traffickers in the Dominican Republic and the United States.
  • The action was taken under Executive Order 14059, blocking U.S.-connected property, prohibiting transactions by U.S. persons, and warning of civil or criminal penalties for violations.
  • The move complements a September 2024 SDNY indictment and was coordinated with DOJ, DEA, HSI, IRS–CI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with Treasury linking it to the Make America Fentanyl Free initiative.