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Two Indian nationals have been charged in the US with conspiracy and smuggling in connection with an alleged transnational scheme involving counterfeit Ozempic.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice announced federal charges on September 29 against Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37. Both are Indian nationals.
According to court documents, between July 2023 and April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorised sources in China and distributed the products in the US.
The counterfeit products allegedly included packaging, package inserts, pen labels and needles designed to make them appear to be authentic, manufacturer-authorised Ozempic. The products were allegedly sold to other co-conspirators and distributors in the US at deeply discounted prices.
The indictment further alleges that Roy, Ramancha and their co-conspirators continued distributing the counterfeit products even after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued public safety alerts warning consumers, pharmacies and healthcare providers.
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations assisted in the investigation.
“Infiltrating the American drug supply with counterfeit products isn’t just a crime — it’s also a direct threat to public health and patient safety,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D.
“The FDA will continue to trace illicit networks wherever they lead, across borders and through complex supply chains, to ensure that anyone who seeks to profit off counterfeit medicines face accountability — all in our mission to keep Americans safe,” he added.
The FDA said it takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies and the private sector to help protect the US drug supply.
The agency has urged consumers, pharmacies and other stakeholders to report suspected counterfeit or tampered medicines.
