In a significant crackdown, JR Puram police in Srikakulam district have apprehended a gang of eight individuals, including four employees of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, for stealing approximately 460 grams of Semaglutide (GLP-1). This patented anti-diabetic drug, valued at over Rs2 crore, was stolen from the company’s warehouse in Pydibheemavaram and intended for sale on the black market.
Among those arrested are Dr Reddy’s chemists Dronadulu Suresh (31), N Appala Naidu (28), and Gollapalli Kantarao (35); warehouse staffer G V Raghavendra (33); along with four others with pharmaceutical backgrounds from Hyderabad: G Suresh Reddy (40), A Tirupati (32), K Balakrishna (33), and B Naveen Kumar (33).
Police officials explained that Semaglutide is a peptide drug used primarily for treating type 2 diabetes and managing obesity long-term. It mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and is administered either by injection or orally. This particular product is patented by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and was meant for export to international markets.
Srikakulam police chief KV Maheswara Reddy stated that the GLP-1 drug was produced at Dr Reddy’s production unit and stored in the freezer room of the FG warehouse on February 17, 2025, before being stolen.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the theft and to apprehend any additional suspects involved.
