The drugs - including valium, ritalin, xanax and phentermine - originally came from pharmacies in Mexico and were sub-potent or sold without a valid prescription through two sites, www.lighthousemeds.com or www.federalmeds.com, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Law enforcement authorities believe more than 11 million pills, involving millions of dollars in sales, were distributed through the business from 2003 through this year.

U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman said Wednesday that buying and dispensing prescriptions over the Internet is not illegal and gives individuals with valid prescriptions a convenient way to access medications.

"However, as with any other business, there are those who operate outside the lines of what is legal in an attempt to make money," Tolman said. "The risk is that while those running these illegal businesses are making millions of dollars, those using the businesses to order prescription medication may very well be putting their health at risk."

Charged in the indictment are James A. Brinton, 61, of Provo; Gregory J. Crosby, 52, of Provo; Noah Sifuentes, 56, of Orem, Christina K. Haramija, 30, of Lehi; Laura B. Harding, 32, of Lehi; Edgar U. Flores-Cuevas, 35, of Mexico; Martha Forrest, 65, of Salt Lake City; Kenneth E. Forrest, 42, of Provo, Treila Shumway, 38, of Manti; Timothy A. Shields, 44, of Provo; Deborah E. McCoard, 41, of Spring City; Kimberly Lobdell, 38, of South Jordan; Charles J. Stuart III, 51, of Mapleton; Rex E. Southwick, 33, of Orange, California; Thomas Myers, 47, of Sandy; Enrique Hipolito-Ruiz, 58, and Victor Francisco Hipolito-Martinez, 35, both of Tijuana, Mexico; and Jorge Hipolito-Martinez, 30, of Soler, Mexico.

Flores-Cuevas was arrested on a federal complaint in May and is in custody. Federal arrest warrants have been issued for the three other defendants from Mexico.

Summons will be issued to the other defendants to appear in federal court for an initial appearance.

The charges include: conspiracy to import a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to structure monetary transactions and making false statements.

The drug, wire fraud, and money laundering offenses carry potential maximum penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison. Making a false statement has a potential penalty of five years in federal prison. Potential fines include $1 million for each drug offense and $250,000 for the other counts in the indictment.

The case is being investigated by the DEA, FBI, IRS, U.S. Secret Service and Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.