Three individuals face allegations for their involvement in a transnational network suspected of illegally peddling counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

In a significant development, three men from Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri have been arrested for their roles in an international operation selling counterfeit pharmaceuticals online. Leeladhar H. Tandel, Barry M. Wright, and Jesus Andon, along with three other individuals, face conspiracy charges that carry up to 20 years in prison.

The operation, which involved a network of about 60 web resources, was uncovered by the DEA's New York Field Division with assistance from offices in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Mobile. The investigation began after a non-fatal overdose in Silver Creek, NY, involving drugs bought from MEDDZONLINE.COM, one of the suspect websites implicated in the case.

Andon is charged with sending 41 packages of Ambien from Missouri, while Tandel is accused of mailing at least 40 packages from Alabama. Wright allegedly shipped 333 parcels from Georgia. These bulk shipments of counterfeit drugs allegedly arrived from abroad and were re-shipped across the country by domestic distributors.

The other suspect websites mentioned in the case include PHARMACYSTOREONLINE.COM, MEDSHEALTHONLINE.COM, PHARMACYHUBONLINE.COM, and PHARMACYMEDSONLINE.COM. Authorities warn against ingesting substances purchased from these websites, as they are part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating both in the U.S. and overseas.

Undercover purchases tied each defendant to shipments of controlled or counterfeit drugs. The case involves the websites mentioned, which are part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating both in the U.S. and overseas.

This international network of websites sold illegally imported medicines over the internet. The case serves as a reminder to be cautious when purchasing pharmaceuticals online and to only use trusted and legitimate sources. The DEA encourages anyone with information about illegal online pharmacies to report it to their local field office.