Two Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle counterfeit versions of the weight-loss drug Ozempic into the United States, according to the Justice Department.
The suspects allegedly obtained the counterfeit Ozempic in China and sold it to U.S. distributors at discounted prices, according to multiple outlets.
CNBC noted the indictment comes as use of GLP-1 drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic for weight loss has reached new highs among U.S. adults.
Details on the specific charges, the identities of the two individuals, and the scale of the alleged scheme were not fully specified in available reporting.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported two Indian citizens were indicted in connection with the counterfeit Ozempic scheme.
- Noted the drugs were smuggled and sold to U.S. distributors at discounted prices.
“Two Indian citizens are accused of smuggling counterfeit Ozempic to distributors in the U.S. at discounted prices.” — CBS News
Center
- Reported the counterfeit Ozempic was allegedly obtained in China before being sold to U.S. distributors.
- CNBC linked the case to record-high use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs among U.S. adults.
- Multiple center outlets confirmed the indictment of two Indian nationals.
“The criminal indictment in Florida comes as the use of GLP-1 drugs such as Novo's Ozempic for weight loss has hit new highs among U.S. adults.” — CNBC
Right
- Emphasized that a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida issued the indictment.
- Described the alleged scheme as transnational in nature, per the Justice Department's announcement.
“A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida has indicted two Indian nationals on charges tied to an alleged transnational scheme to sell counterfeit Ozempic to U.S. distributors.” — The Washington Times
Questions readers ask
What happened with the counterfeit Ozempic case?
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida indicted two Indian nationals accused of smuggling counterfeit Ozempic obtained in China and selling it to U.S. distributors at discounted prices, according to the Justice Department.
Where were the counterfeit drugs obtained?
The suspects allegedly obtained the counterfeit Ozempic in China before selling it to distributors in the United States, according to multiple outlets.
Why does this case matter?
CNBC reported that the indictment comes as use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic has reached new highs among U.S. adults, raising concerns about counterfeit versions entering the supply chain.
Who brought the charges?
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment following action by a federal grand jury in Florida's Middle District.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- CBS NewsLeft-leaning2 indicted in connection with counterfeit Ozempic scheme in Florida
- CNBCCenterTwo Indian nationals charged with smuggling counterfeit Ozempic from China: DOJ
- ForbesCenter2 Indicted For Selling Fake Ozempic From China, Feds Say
- The Straits TimesCenterUS says two Indian nationals indicted in counterfeit Ozempic smuggling scheme
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningFederal Grand Jury Indicts 2 Indian Nationals for Smuggling Fake Ozempic
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningJustice Department indicts 2 over alleged counterfeit Ozempic sales to U.S. distributors