US customs authorities are reporting an increasing number of illegal imports of the diabetes medication Ozempic via online sales platforms. Unauthorized shipping networks are apparently exploiting systems that allow duty-free entry of smaller imports, according to Freight Waves.

Specifically, in the past year, Customs and Border Protection agents have seized 11 shipments related to Ozempic from the main sorting hub of DHL Express, located at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. All shipments were shipped from Colombia and their destinations were New York, Massachusetts and Texas.

The growing problem stems from many people trying to obtain Ozempic at a lower price by purchasing it from overseas, where FDA controls do not apply. These illegal imports increase the risk to the consumer as the product could potentially be counterfeit, misbranded or unauthorized.

English edit: Catherine Brett