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Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: In a significant breach of security at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories’ API manufacturing facility in Pydibhimavaram, Srikakulam district, eight individuals—including current and former employees—have been arrested for allegedly stealing semaglutide powder valued at over ₹2 crore. The theft, which reportedly occurred over multiple instances, involved the diversion of the high-value active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in anti-diabetic and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
According to police officials, the gang included an active employee from the formulation plant, a former warehouse staffer, and six others who collaborated in smuggling the material out of the premises. The accused are said to have packed the stolen semaglutide in food delivery containers to evade detection, subsequently selling the product to unauthorized buyers in major cities like Mumbai and Chennai.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 460 grams of semaglutide, a patented and highly sought-after drug for type 2 diabetes and obesity, were stolen and trafficked before the theft was uncovered through internal audits and inventory checks at the company’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) facility. The suspects have been identified as Dronadula Suresh (31), GV Raghavendra (33), N Appala Naidu (28), and Gollapalli Kantarao (35), all associated with Dr. Reddy’s, along with four others from Hyderabad with prior pharmaceutical industry experience: G Suresh Reddy (40), A Tirupati (32), K Balakrishna (33), and B Naveen Kumar (33).
Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation, with expectations of further arrests. The incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chain and internal controls at high-value API manufacturing facilities, prompting industry calls for enhanced surveillance and stricter material accountability protocols.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has not issued a formal public statement regarding the incident. The stolen semaglutide was reportedly intended for export, as the company is currently restricted from selling the drug in India due to ongoing patent disputes with Novo Nordisk.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information available from cited sources as of June 2025. The facts and details presented may be subject to updates as investigations proceed. The article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or professional advice.
