Over 1,000 Black Market Ozempic Injections Seized by Federal Agents in Cincinnati

Since becoming a sought-after drug for weight loss, the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic has skyrocketed in popularity. As demand for the medication increases, so do illegal shipments of Ozempic.

According to a June 5 news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Cincinnati CBP officers have seized around 1,000 doses of Ozempic across 11 shipments since February 2024. CBP said the shipments originated in Colombia and were headed for New York, Massachusetts and Texas.

The department said most of the shipments were packed full of over 100 pre-filled injection pens, adding up to a combined value of $887,000.

Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but has been effective in facilitating weight loss. The injection lowers blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin and curbing appetite.

According to the release, many online pharmacies don’t comply with U.S. pharmacy standards for providing proper documentation when importing medications. Dan Solis, FDA Assistant Commissioner for import operations, said this poses serious risks to consumers who believe they are purchasing safe and effective drugs.

“We will continue to be vigilant at ports of entry to interdict these potentially dangerous products, preventing them from reaching U.S. customers and protecting the public health,” Solis said.

Cincinnati officers worked with the FDA to confirm that Ozempic is illegal to import into the U.S. without the required documentation. CBP works with the FDA to “combat the importation of illegal medications and beauty products that pose health risks for consumers.”

LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for CBP in Chicago, commended the collaborative efforts of CBP and the FDA in the release.

“One of CBP’s mission priorities is to facilitate lawful trade. Stopping illegal shipments of Ozempic saves consumers a substantial amount of money and potentially dangerous health risks,” she said.