At least eight individuals, including four employees of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, have been arrested for stealing Semaglutide, an anti-diabetic drug valued at over ₹2 crore, from the company’s warehouse. The stolen product was reportedly intended for sale on the black market.
The theft took place on February 23, 2025, at the company’s Pydibhimavaram warehouse, according to Srikakulam police. The stolen goods included 460 grams of Semaglutide, a highly valuable drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Police investigations revealed that the theft was an inside job orchestrated by Dr. Reddy’s employees. The accused were identified as Dronadula Suresh (31), GV Raghavendra (33), N Appala Naidu (28), and Gollapalli Kantarao (35), all of whom worked for the company. The other four suspects, G Suresh Reddy (40), A Tirupati (32), K Balakrishna (33), and B Naveen Kumar (33), were from Hyderabad and had previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Raghavendra, an employee at the warehouse, accessed the FG freezer storage unit and stole the Semaglutide. He then handed the drug to his co-workers, Appala Naidu, Suresh, and Kantarao, who passed it on to Tirupati. Tirupati ultimately delivered it to Suresh Reddy in Hyderabad for sale on the black market.
Tensions escalated when Raghavendra, seeking the return of the stolen product, received fake powder instead of the Semaglutide. This led to further investigations.
Following a complaint by Dr. Reddy’s management, police formed three investigative teams, led by JR Puram Circle Inspector M Avatharam and sub-inspectors S Chiranjeevi and G Laxman Rao. The investigation culminated in the arrest of the eight accused and the recovery of 440 grams of genuine Semaglutide, as well as 460 grams of counterfeit powder.
Police emphasized that Semaglutide is strictly regulated and intended solely for export by Dr. Reddy’s. Its high value makes it a prime target for black market theft.
Additionally, Dr. Reddy’s management revealed that during a routine audit, they discovered the theft of 3.38 kg of palladium acetate, valued at ₹60 lakh, in May 2025. Palladium acetate is used as a catalyst in organic chemical processes, and police are now investigating whether the same group was involved in this theft as well.
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