A federal grand jury in Florida has indicted two Indian nationals for allegedly smuggling counterfeit versions of the diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic into the United States. The charges follow a multi-month investigation into a scheme that continued even after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning in December 2023 about counterfeit Ozempic entering the supply chain.
On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, on one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and defraud the U.S., three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison.
Roy was arrested in Italy based on an Interpol Red Notice and was extradited to the U.S., appearing in court in Florida on Tuesday. Ramancha remains at large, according to court documents.
Alleged Scheme and Timeline
The conspiracy is alleged to have begun in July 2023 and continued through April 2024, with Roy and Ramancha sourcing counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized suppliers in China. Court filings state that the counterfeit product included fake packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles, designed to mimic authentic Ozempic manufactured by Novo Nordisk (now Novo).
The FDA had previously warned in December 2023 that counterfeit Ozempic was circulating in the U.S. market. The agency advised patients and pharmacies to only obtain the drug through licensed channels with valid prescriptions and from authorized distributors. Despite this warning, the alleged smuggling operation persisted, according to prosecutors.
Health and Regulatory Concerns
The DOJ emphasized the public health risks posed by counterfeit prescription drugs, particularly those used for chronic conditions like diabetes. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated in a press release that counterfeit medications "threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply."
The case coincides with the growing demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which have gained popularity for both diabetes treatment and weight loss. A Gallup poll reported that 11% of U.S. adults used GLP-1 medications for weight loss in 2024, up from 3% in 2022, with 15% reporting past use.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Roy’s initial court appearance has concluded, and the case is ongoing. Ramancha’s whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or arrests are expected. The DOJ has not commented on whether other individuals or entities may be involved in the alleged scheme.
Federal prosecutors have not disclosed the total volume of counterfeit Ozempic seized or the number of patients who may have received the fake medication. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the case progresses.