DEA Issues Warning About Illegal Online Pharmacies Selling Counterfeit Pills

The DEA issued a public safety alert about illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine.Photo byMichał ParzuchowskionUnsplash

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety alert today warning about the increasing number of illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit medications to unsuspecting Americans.

These illegal websites are deceiving consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate prescription drugs such as Oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax, when in fact, they are receiving dangerous counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine.

“These fake online pharmacies are dangerous and illegal. They are tricking Americans into believing they are buying safe, regulated medication when, in fact, they are selling counterfeit pills made with lethal drugs like fentanyl,” stated the DEA in a written release.

"This poses serious health risks, including ineffective treatment, harmful side effects, and even death."

The DEA has identified several foreign-based websites, particularly from India and the Dominican Republic, that appear to be U.S.-based or FDA-approved but are actually fronts for drug traffickers.

These fraudulent sites often use professional-looking designs, offer 24-hour customer service, post online reviews, and provide discounts to appear legitimate to American consumers.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the DEA has flagged several websites as illegal pharmacies, including:

• www.Curecog.com
• www.Pharmacystoresonline.com
• www.Careonlinestore.com
• www.yourpharmacy.online
• www.MD724.com
• www.Greenleafdispensarystore.com
• www.Whatishydrocodone.weebly.com
• www.Orderpainkillersonline.com
• www.USAMedstores.com

Consumers who have purchased from any of these websites are urged to stop using the medications immediately and contact their local DEA office.

The DEA cautioned consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing prescription drugs online, advising that any pharmacy offering drugs without requiring a valid prescription, offering drastically reduced prices, or lacking proof of a pharmacy license or DEA registration should be considered suspicious.

Other red flags include damaged packaging, missing expiration dates, or medications that appear different from previous prescriptions.

“The only safe prescription medications are those prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed by a trusted pharmacy,” the DEA warned in their release.