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Indian nationals, Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha, were indicted for allegedly smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic from China to US distributors.
According to court documents, the alleged scheme operated from at least July 2023 to April 2024.
Two Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US for allegedly smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday.
The defendants, identified as 33-year-old Swapnadip Roy and 37-year-old Vicky Ramancha, allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorised sources in China and sold it to US distributors at deeply discounted prices.
Roy was extradited from Italy to the US and pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida, the DOJ said.
Counterfeit packaging used to deceive buyers
According to court documents, the alleged scheme operated from at least July 2023 to April 2024. The counterfeit products reportedly carried fake packaging, package inserts, pen labels and needles designed to make them appear to be genuine Ozempic authorised by the manufacturer.
The DOJ said the scheme continued even after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized some of the counterfeit products in December 2023 and issued a public warning.
The popular prescription drug, which is also widely used for weight management, can cost patients hundreds of dollars a month in the US.
Defendants face up to 71 years
Roy and Ramancha face one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and defraud the US, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling or possessing counterfeit drugs for sale.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 71 years in prison, the DOJ said.
“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” Assistant Attorney General A Tysen Duva said.
Authorities warn of health risks
Assistant US Attorney Christopher Murray said the indictment reflected the authorities’ commitment to protecting consumers from potential harm caused by counterfeit medicines.
FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Assistant Commissioner Justin Green said introducing counterfeit drugs into the US supply chain could put consumers at “significant risk”.
“Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the US border,” Green said, adding that the FDA works with federal agencies, foreign authorities and the private sector to protect the country’s drug supply.
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations is investigating the case.
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Ask News18Swapnadip Roy and Vicky Ramancha face one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and defraud the US, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling or possessing counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 71 years in prison.
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