Prosecutors say a network of illegal drug sellers established fake pharmacies that sold pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine, leading to nine deaths, The New York Times reported Sept. 30.
Here are five notes:
- Federal prosecutors said a network involving individuals in the U.S., India and the Dominican Republic utilized fake pharmacies to distribute deadly narcotics manufactured by secret "pill mills" in New York City.
- U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described the pills sold through the pharmacies as "filled with poison," resulting in injuries and nine fatalities across the country.
- An indictment unsealed Sept. 30 said 18 individuals have been charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Thirteen people are in custody, including the group's alleged leader, Francisco Alberto Lopez Reyes, the Times reported.
- The network allegedly operated more than 40 sham pharmacies marketed with names such as "Curecog" and "Your Pharmacy," offering drugs that claimed to be oxycodone, Xanax and other pharmaceuticals.
- If convicted, Mr. Lopez Reyes faces a mandatory life sentence for his role in leading the operation.