US Imposes Visa Restrictions on 13 Individuals Over Alleged Fentanyl Trafficking Network

The United States Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on 13 individuals accused of involvement in illegal fentanyl trafficking linked to an India-based online pharmaceutical business.

According to the US government, the targeted individuals are close associates of KS International Traders, a company accused of supplying large quantities of counterfeit prescription drugs containing fentanyl to the United States.

US authorities allege that the India-based firm illegally sold fake prescription medicines laced with fentanyl across the United States, contributing to numerous deaths and devastating many families nationwide.

The administration of President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the company earned substantial profits through illicit fentanyl trafficking.

Earlier, Trump had issued an executive order classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The visa restrictions were imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.

In a statement, the State Department said the move reflects the joint commitment of the United States and India to dismantle international drug trafficking networks.

Washington also stated that individuals responsible for endangering the lives of American citizens would not be allowed entry into the United States.