How 2 Indians Ran a Fake Ozempic Ring Sourced from China, Facing 71 Years in US Prison

Two Indian nationals have been formally charged by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida with conspiracy, smuggling, and distributing counterfeit prescription drugs. The indictment alleges that Swapnadip Roy (Swapandip Roy), Vicky Ramancha, and their co-conspirators funnelled counterfeit supplies of the popular diabetes and weight-loss medication Ozempic to distributors across the United States at deeply discounted prices.

Extradition and Court Appearance

Swapnadip Roy was apprehended following the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice and was successfully extradited from Italy with assistance from the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, reports the US Department of Justice. Roy made his initial appearance in a federal court in Tampa, Florida. If convicted on all counts, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison. FBI Adds Goldy Brar Aka Satinderjeet Singh to 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List; Announces USD 1 Million Reward.

Details of the Smuggling Operation

According to court documents, the illicit operation ran from at least July 2023 through April 2024. During this period, Roy and Ramancha allegedly sourced fake Ozempic products from unauthorised channels in China. The distribution network utilised fraudulent packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles designed to mimic authentic, manufacturer-approved medication. Federal prosecutors noted that the scheme persisted even after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized batches of the counterfeit drugs in December 2023 and issued public safety warnings. The indictment charges both individuals with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling and holding counterfeit drugs for sale.

Regulatory and Law Enforcement Response

Senior US officials underscored the grave public health risks associated with counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the domestic market. "Counterfeit prescription drugs-- especially common ones--threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "These defendants allegedly exploited people's health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs," Duva added.

Assistant US Attorney Christopher Murray for the Middle District of Florida emphasised that the local office maintains zero tolerance for illicit supply chain tampering. "This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs," Murray said. "Our office will not tolerate bad actors corrupting our pharmaceutical supply chain," Murray added. Will H-1B Visas Get Harder for Indians? JD Vance Says Companies Laying Off Americans Shouldn’t Hire Foreign Workers.

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI) highlighted the border-spanning nature of modern pharmaceutical oversight. "While the US 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 US market put American consumers at significant risk," said Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of FDA OCI. "Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the US border. FDA takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and the private sector to help protect the nation's drug supply," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 01:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).