WASHINGTON, DC ? DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy today announced the culmination of ?Operation Web Tryp? that resulted in ten arrests and targeted five websites. Operation Web Tryp investigated Internet websites distributing highly dangerous designer drug analogues under the guise of ?research chemicals? primarily shipped to the U.S. from China and India. These websites are known to have thousands of customers worldwide. One website operator is known to conduct estimated sales of $20,000 per week, while another is known to have been in business for more than five years. These websites sold substances that led to the fatal overdose of at least two individuals and 14 non-fatal overdoses.

?The Internet has become the street corner for many drug users and traffickers. Drug pushers who use the Internet will find themselves out of business and behind bars,? Administrator Tandy said. ?These dealers now enter into the privacy of our own homes to entice and sell destruction to our children veiled under the illusion of being safe and legal. The formulation of analogues is like a drug dealer?s magic trick meant to fool law enforcement. They didn?t fool us and we must educate our children so they are not fooled either. Today?s action will help prevent future deaths and overdoses, and will serve as notice for those dealing in designer drugs and the illegal use of the Internet.?

These dealers now enter into the privacy of our own homes to entice and sell destruction to our children veiled under the illusion of being safe and legal.