US says two Indian nationals indicted in counterfeit Ozempic smuggling scheme

Two Indian nationals were indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on charges related to smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic, the weight‑loss drug, the Department of Justice said on Tuesday. The indictment identifies one defendant as Swapnadip Roy and accuses both men of participating in a scheme to bring counterfeit Ozempic into the United States and sell it to customers. Prosecutors said the case involves the illicit production and distribution of fake Ozempic sold under the drug’s name, potentially exposing buyers to unsafe or ineffective medication. The indictment was returned in federal court, and authorities described the operation as part of a broader crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fraudulent online drug activity. Officials did not disclose all details of the scheme in the initial release, including the second defendant’s identity. If convicted, the defendants could face federal penalties, with possible prison time and fines outlined under applicable statutes. The Justice Department emphasized its ongoing commitment to preventing counterfeit medicines from entering U.S. supply chains and to pursuing individuals who misbrand, mislabel, or traffic such products. The case illustrates challenges posed by online sales of prescription drugs and the risk to public health from counterfeit pharmaceuticals.