WASHINGTON, May 12: The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting 13 close business associates linked to India-based online pharmacy KS International Traders, accusing the network of fueling the deadly flow of illicit fentanyl into America.
In a statement released Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott said the action is part of an aggressive campaign to dismantle international trafficking operations responsible for the Illicit fentanyl devastating families across the United States.
According to the State Department, KS International Traders allegedly sold hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills laced with illicit fentanyl to buyers across America. Officials said the operation generated massive profits while contributing to overdose deaths nationwide.
The visa restrictions were imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act following President Donald Trump’s designation of fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction under Executive Order 14367.
“Those complicit in poisoning Americans will be denied entry to the United States,” the statement declared.
U.S. officials described the move as a warning to international drug traffickers and their financial networks, emphasising that the United States and India are working together to dismantle fentanyl supply chains and disrupt criminal organizations profiting from the sale of the deadly drug.
The announcement marks one of the strongest recent actions targeting overseas associates connected to fentanyl trafficking operations, as Washington intensifies pressure on networks accused of flooding U.S. streets with lethal synthetic drugs. (UNI)
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