India and the United States have joined forces to combat the illegal shipment of pharmaceuticals, devices, and precursor chemicals through the International Mail System (IMS). The joint operation, called Operation Broader Sword, resulted in the interception of over 500 shipments of illicit and unapproved prescription drugs bound for US consumers.
The operation was conducted by law enforcement agencies from both countries, including India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
During the operation, investigators examined more than 1,500 shipments originating in India, taking action on approximately 500 products, including illicit medications designed to treat serious diseases. Several shipments were found to contain opioids and other controlled substances. The operation focused on packages entering the United States from India through the New York (JFK International Airport) and Chicago (ORD International Airport) International Mail Facilities (IMFs) between June 12 and June 23.
As part of the operation, HSI special agents carried out a controlled delivery of a suspected shipment, resulting in the arrest of an Indian national involved in the illegal importation of illicit pharmaceuticals to the United States. The arrest included opioids and other controlled substances.
Operation Broader Sword is a significant step in the fight against the illegal importation of drugs into the United States. The operation has helped to identify and target traffickers operating or seeking to expand their activities in India, and it has also assisted Indian law enforcement in enhancing measures to combat the flow of illicit drugs that could harm Indian citizens.
By working together, the two countries are sending a clear message that they will not tolerate the illegal importation of drugs. They are also working to improve drug control efforts and protect the citizens of both countries.