Federal prosecutors say three men from Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri were arrested for their roles in an international operation that sold counterfeit pharmaceuticals online.
Leeladhar H. Tandel, 44, of Mobile, AL; Barry M. Wright, 55, of Marietta, GA; and Jesus Andon, 56, of St. Louis, MO, face conspiracy charges that carry up to 20 years in prison.
Counterfeit pills sold online
According to the criminal complaint, the DEA’s Buffalo office began investigating websites like MEDDZONLINE.COM that advertised drugs such as Percocet, Adderall, and Oxycodone. Prosecutors say the sites are part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating both in the U.S. and overseas.
Bulk shipments allegedly arrived from abroad, then were re-shipped across the country by domestic distributors paid per package.
The investigation began after a 2024 non-fatal overdose in Silver Creek, NY, involving drugs bought from MEDDZONLINE.COM and paid for through an individual in Pakistan. Undercover purchases tied each defendant to shipments of controlled or counterfeit drugs.
Tandel is accused of mailing at least 40 packages from Alabama, Wright allegedly shipped 333 parcels from Georgia, and Andon is charged with sending 41 packages of Ambien from Missouri.
Public urged to avoid suspect websites
Authorities warn anyone who has purchased substances from these sites not to ingest them and to contact law enforcement:
- MEDDZONLINE.COM
- PHARMACYSTOREONLINE.COM
- MEDSHEALTHONLINE.COM
- PHARMACYHUBONLINE.COM
- PHARMACYMEDSONLINE.COM
The DEA’s New York Field Division led the case with assistance from offices in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Mobile.
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