US Target KS International Traders for Trafficking Over
Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills

Los Angeles/Sep 26, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two Indian nationals, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, for their involvement in trafficking counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl and other illegal drugs to American consumers. Alongside the individuals, an India-based online pharmacy, KS International Traders (operating as KS Pharmacy), has also been designated for its role in the illicit operations.

“Too many families have been torn apart by fentanyl. Today, we are acting to hold accountable those who profit from this poison,” said John K. Hurley, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, adding that the Treasury is committed to advancing President Trump’s pledge to “Make America Fentanyl Free.”

Fentanyl Crisis in the US
Fentanyl continues to drive America’s opioid epidemic, now the leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 45. Under the U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework, Washington and New Delhi have been cooperating to counter drug trafficking, bolster public health, and secure global supply chains against synthetic opioids.

Role of Online Pharmacies
Illegal online pharmacies, including those operating from India, have played a significant role in supplying counterfeit pills worldwide. These drugs are often disguised as legitimate medications such as Oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax but contain fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, or methamphetamine. The DEA has repeatedly warned about the dangers of such operations, noting a sharp increase in fake pills reaching unsuspecting American buyers.

Details of Sanctioned Individuals
Sayyed and Shaikh collaborated with traffickers in the U.S. and Dominican Republic to distribute counterfeit pills across America. They marketed the drugs as discounted, legitimate pharmaceuticals while concealing their true content. Both used encrypted platforms to run their illegal businesses.

Shaikh, who owns KS International Traders, continued operating the pharmacy even after being indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury in September 2024. Both men have now been sanctioned under Executive Order 14059, which targets the international spread of illicit drugs and their production methods.

Sanctions Impact
As a result of OFAC’s action, all property and assets of the sanctioned individuals and their company within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. American persons and institutions are barred from engaging in transactions with them. Violations may attract civil or criminal penalties.

While sanctions aim to cut off funding for drug trafficking networks, OFAC emphasized that the ultimate goal is not punishment alone but to encourage changes in behavior.

News Source :- Click Here