Surge in Illegal Ozempic Smuggling Linked to Organized Crime in Sweden

The illegal smuggling and sale of the drug Ozempic, originally prescribed for diabetes, has sharply increased in Sweden, reflecting a troubling trend linked to organized crime networks that traditionally engage in drug trafficking. Authorities have observed significant seizures of counterfeit Ozempic, highlighting the challenges faced in curbing this burgeoning underground market.

Martin Burman, an investigator from the Medical Products Agency, emphasized that the spike in illegal Ozempic sales is tied to criminal organizations that previously dealt in narcotics. For instance, customs authorities seized 90 capsules of counterfeit Ozempic last December and a larger haul of 224 small glass vials in January 2025. Despite these seizures, Burman pointed out that these amounts only represent a fraction of the total illegal Ozempic that circulates in Sweden.

Ozempic’s popularity, as a weight-loss solution beyond its initial use for obesity treatment, has fueled the rise of counterfeit products. Many counterfeit Ozempic products are being marketed on social media platforms by influencers, who sometimes promote websites known for selling these illegal drugs. The Medical Products Agency has identified approximately twenty sites that offer fake Ozempic, many of which are linked to established criminal enterprises that also trade in doping drugs and other illicit substances. Reports indicate that these underground markets are generating robust activity, with some counterfeit sites receiving countless consumer reviews, akin to legitimate pharmacies.

In 2025 alone, authorities reported seizing over 400 units of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, marking a dramatic increase from previous years—in 2024, only 270 units were seized, and just a mere three units in 2023. This rising trend extends beyond Sweden, as evidenced by Norwegian customs intercepting shipments originating from Sweden, pointing to a broader regional issue with criminal organizations engaging in international distribution.

The dangers of counterfeit medications are substantial, leading to potential health crises among users. Many consumers are unaware of the hazards posed by these illegal products, with serious incidents reported, such as overdoses due to improperly produced drugs. Authorities have voiced their frustrations over existing legal frameworks that limit their ability to combat illegal drug distribution effectively, especially those laws affecting products traded within the EU.

The Swedish government has directed the Medical Products Agency to investigate this illegal trade further and to propose better regulatory measures, with a detailed report due by the end of January next year, aiming to address the challenges posed by the illicit market for Ozempic.