Swedish criminal gangs have identified a lucrative new revenue stream by selling counterfeit weight loss medications, particularly Ozempic, as reported by Dagens Nyheter. According to Sweden's medical authority, over 120 websites linked to Sweden have been found openly selling these counterfeit drugs. The illegal trade in these medications is frequently handled by criminal gangs, highlighting the intersection of crime and public health concerns in the country.

Tomas Nilsson, a researcher at the medical authority, emphasizes that there is significant money involved in the underground weight loss drug market. As prescription weight loss medications are difficult to obtain and can be expensive, demand on the black market has surged. Moreover, the authenticity and safety of these counterfeit products are questionable, posing serious risks to users who might unknowingly consume harmful substances.

Their key ingredients often originate from China or other Asian countries, while the counterfeit drugs themselves are manufactured within Sweden. This issue not only raises alarms about public health but also calls for increased vigilance and action from law enforcement to combat such illegal activities, as evidenced by police raids on significant operations last year. The situation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in curbing the expansive reach of criminal enterprises into the pharmaceutical market.