Full Breakdown
Two Indian Nationals Indicted in U.S. Counterfeit Ozempic Smuggling Scheme
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Core Event: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Alleged Smugglers
On September 29, a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned an indictment charging Indian nationals Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, with a conspiracy to smuggle and sell counterfeit versions of the weight-loss drug Ozempic. The indictment alleges that, between July 2023 and April 2024, the pair obtained falsified Ozempic—including packaging, inserts, pen labels and needles—from unauthorized sources in China and supplied it to U.S. distributors at “deeply discounted” prices.
The charges comprise one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling and possessing counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 71 years in prison. Roy was extradited from Italy and made his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida; Ramancha remains at large.
Background & Context: Growing Demand and Counterfeit Threats
Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication manufactured by Novo (Novo Nordisk), has surged in popularity for both diabetes management and off-label weight loss. A Gallup poll released in July reported that 11 % of U.S. adults were using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in 2026, up from 3 % in 2024, with 15 % having used the medication at some point. The heightened demand has attracted counterfeit operations. In December 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized a batch of fake Ozempic and issued a public warning, yet the indictment alleges the scheme persisted after that seizure.
Data & Statistics
- Indictment period: July 2023 – April 2024
- Potential prison term: up to 71 years per defendant
- GLP-1 usage (2026): 11 % of adults (Gallup)
- GLP-1 usage (2024): 3 % of adults (Gallup)
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant Attorney General **A.
Assistant U.S.
Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations warned that “while the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “These defendants allegedly exploited people's health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs,” — General A. Tysen Duva
- “This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs,” — Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher
- “While the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk,” — Assistant Commissioner Justin Green, said assistant commissioner
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation and Pending Trial
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations continues to examine the case, and the Department of Justice’s Health & Safety Unit is prosecuting the indictment. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A trial date has not been set, and authorities indicate that further enforcement actions may follow as the investigation proceeds.