Two Indians Accused Of Smuggling Fake Ozempic Into US, Face 71 Years Each

Two Indian nationals have been indicted in the United States over an alleged counterfeit Ozempic scheme in which fake versions of the diabetes and weight-loss drug were allegedly sourced from China and sold to US distributors at deeply discounted prices. One accused has been extradited from Italy and pleaded not guilty, while the other remains at large.

The accused have been identified as Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37. According to US prosecutors, the alleged operation ran from around July 2023 to April 2024, with the pair and their co-conspirators allegedly obtaining counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorised sources in China before distributing it through the US supply chain.

Authorities allege the fake products were made to appear like genuine medicine. They allegedly carried counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels and needles intended to convince downstream buyers, including pharmacies and patients, that they were receiving authentic, manufacturer-authorised Ozempic. The products were allegedly sold to distributors and other buyers at heavily discounted prices.

The alleged distribution continued even after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued public safety warnings to consumers, pharmacies and healthcare providers. The FDA said its investigation, conducted through its Office of Criminal Investigations, contributed to the federal charges.

Roy was arrested in Italy under an INTERPOL Red Notice and later extradited to the US. He made his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa, Florida, on September 29 and pleaded not guilty, according to Reuters. Ramancha remains outside US custody.

Roy and Ramancha face one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and defraud the US, three counts of smuggling, and two counts related to selling counterfeit drugs and holding them for sale. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 71 years in prison if convicted on all charges, although the actual sentence, if any, would be determined by the court.

US authorities said counterfeit prescription medicines can pose serious risks because consumers may not know what ingredients or doses the products contain. The FDA has urged suspected counterfeit-drug incidents to be reported as it continues investigating illicit pharmaceutical supply networks.

The charges remain allegations. Roy and Ramancha are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.