Three NC Men Charged in Illegal Online Sales of Weight Loss, Diabetes & ED Drugs
NEW BERN, N.C. – A massive online drug operation that sold unapproved weight loss, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction drugs has been dismantled, leading to federal charges for three North Carolina men. Authorities warn that these dangerous, unregulated drugs were shipped nationwide, putting consumers at serious risk.
Website Sold Unapproved & Misbranded Drugs
The scheme centered around the website MadisonJamesResearchChems.com, which illegally marketed and sold FDA-regulated medications without approval. Mark James Meland of Rockingham, who created and operated the site, imported raw pharmaceutical ingredients from China and other overseas suppliers to manufacture the drugs.
Authorities say the operation involved:
- Mixing chemicals with cutting agents and repackaging them into capsules, bottles, and vials.
- Using a Rockingham business, Copy Proz, to design labels and packaging to make the drugs appear legitimate.
- Falsely labeling the products as “not for human consumption” to evade FDA regulations.
The website sold a wide range of unapproved and misbranded drugs, including those commonly prescribed for:
- Weight loss
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Narcolepsy
None of the individuals involved were licensed to manufacture, distribute, or sell prescription drugs.
Arrests, Charges & Sentencing
Authorities have charged three men in connection with the illegal operation:
- Adam Meland, 45, pleaded guilty Monday to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce and awaits sentencing, facing up to three years in prison.
- Leondas Paul, 39, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 6, 2024, to six months of probation for helping run the website and launching a spin-off site, LP3Health.com, that sold the same illegal drugs.
- Mark James Meland was charged with money laundering and illegal drug distribution in September 2023 but died in February 2024 before his case was resolved.
Federal Raid Uncovers Stash of Drugs, Cash & Weapons
A search of Copy Proz and surrounding business suites in Rockingham led to the seizure of thousands of illegal drug capsules, including:
- Weight loss, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction drugs
- Bottles of steroids and testosterone (both controlled substances)
- Over $150,000 in cash
- Numerous illegal firearms
FDA Warning on Ordering Medications Online
Officials urge consumers to be cautious when purchasing weight loss, diabetes, or ED drugs online, as many are unregulated, mislabeled, and potentially dangerous. Only FDA-approved medications from licensed pharmacies should be trusted.
The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is prosecuting.
For case details, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or search Case Nos. 5:23-mj-2147, 5:25-cr-00034, and 5:24-cr-00283 on PACER.
Photos: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina
Mugshots of suspects are not available.