Over Rs 2 Cr Semaglutide Theft at Dr Reddy's Srikakulam Unit, Staff Among 8 Arrested
Srikakulam: In a serious breach of supply chain and internal controls, a group of eight individuals, including current and former pharmaceutical staff, have been apprehended for allegedly stealing semaglutide powder worth over Rs 2 crore from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' API manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh.
The incident took place at the pharma major’s SEZ facility in Pydibhimavaram, Srikakulam district. The theft reportedly occurred over multiple instances and involved the diversion of semaglutide, a high-value active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in the manufacture of anti-diabetic and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
According to police officials quoted in Times of India, the suspects include an active employee from the formulation plant, a former staffer from the warehouse team, and six others who colluded to smuggle the material and channel it into the black market.
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An official from the police investigation stated, “An employee working in the formulation block and a former staffer in the warehouse played a key role. Six others collaborated with them in executing the theft.”
The gang reportedly sold the diverted API to unauthorized buyers in major metros like Mumbai and Chennai. The culprits allegedly packed the stolen semaglutide in food delivery containers to avoid detection while transporting it out of the premises.
Initial reports suggest that multiple kilograms of the product had already been trafficked before the matter came to light. Based on internal audits and inventory checks, the pharmaceutical company lodged a formal complaint, prompting police to launch an investigation.
“They smuggled the powder in food delivery containers to avoid suspicion and sold it in cities like Mumbai and Chennai,” the police added.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has not yet released a formal public statement on the matter. However, TOI reports that industry insiders say that such internal breaches in high-value API manufacturing facilities underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and stricter material accountability protocols.
The pharmaceutical industry, particularly those involved in GLP-1 agonist API production, has taken note of the incident, as semaglutide continues to remain in high global demand and commands a premium price across regulated and semi-regulated markets.
Law enforcement authorities are continuing further investigation, and more arrests are expected in connection with the illegal diversion of pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide.
