Counterfeit Ozempic, Psychotropics, Hormones, Steroids Targeted by Police and Prosecutors

Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the illicit online trade of counterfeit medications, including the popular diabetes drug Ozempic, alongside psychotropic substances, hormones, and steroids. Sellers are exploiting a legal loophole by marketing semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, as a product intended "exclusively for research purposes." This allows consumers to purchase the substance without a prescription, often with delivery to parcel lockers, bypassing traditional pharmacy channels.

The scale of the problem is growing, prompting regulatory bodies like the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products and the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate to work on legislative proposals to close these loopholes. The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate noted that identifying the entities responsible for these online offers significantly hinders administrative actions. Despite laws strictly prohibiting such activities, enforcement is challenging. Those caught engaging in the illegal trade of medicines face up to two years in prison.

While the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate and regional prosecutor's offices have been queried about ongoing investigations, most have reported no active cases specifically targeting the internet sale of Ozempic's active ingredient. However, the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Poznan is overseeing a significant investigation into an organized criminal group. This group, operating from 2022 to March 2025, allegedly distributed counterfeit pharmaceuticals, including the active substance for Ozempic, across Poland and other European countries. This particular investigation was initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation of Cybercrime.

The Polish police are actively monitoring the illegal trade of medicines. Recent operations have led to the arrest of 16 individuals involved in the online distribution of these substances. The data suggests a systematic increase in preparatory proceedings related to the illegal trade of medicinal products, indicating a growing challenge for law enforcement.