Appeal to trace woman wanted in connection with fake weight loss drugs

City of London Police are appealing for help from the public to trace a woman wanted in connection with the illegal selling of counterfeit weight loss medicines including Mounjaro and Ozempic.

They are also warning the public about the dangers of buying counterfeit medicines after more than £32,000 worth of Mounjaro and Ozempic - believed to have been illegally sold in the UK - was seized during an investigation by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). 

While enquiries continue, detectives are appealing for help to trace 40-year-old Christina Parfitt who is wanted in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Ozempic (Semaglutide) are prescription-only medicines in the UK and can only be obtained legally with a prescription from a registered healthcare professional. They are used to support weight management and Type 2 Diabetes. 

An investigation was launched following a referral into the City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, claiming that a woman had been advertising the sale of counterfeit goods including weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic online and at significantly reduced prices. 

It was later identified that an organised crime group had been involved in the sale and distribution of the medicines without a prescription or licence from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This includes the alleged selling of Retatrutide, a medicine which is currently in phase three clinical trials for weight management and is yet to be approved by any regulatory authority globally.

The products had been allegedly shipped via a Lancashire based fulfilment company, which provides storage and distribution services and sold to members of the public without any health and safety consultation.

As a result, PIPCU officers carried out a warrant at the premise on Thursday, 28 August 2025, seizing roughly £32,000 worth of what is believed to be counterfeit Mounjaro, Ozempic and Retatrutide. Further inspection of the items recovered, raised concerns that the products contained much more than the recommended dose.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jason Theobald from the City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, said: 

“Members of the public must be aware of the very real dangers of purchasing counterfeit or unlicenced medicines online. Not only are they potentially unsafe, but they could also be sold without the necessary medical advice and therefore are extremely dangerous to the public.

"Anyone with information or who may have purchased counterfeit medicine, is encouraged to contact the City of London Police immediately.” 

Risks:

Mounjaro and Ozempic should only be prescribed following a medical consultation where patients are assessed for health conditions, potential pregnancy, and interactions with other medicines. These processes, when not adhered to, pose a significant health risk to members of the public. 

Advice to the public: 

• Only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription. 

• Avoid offers on social media or websites selling prescription-only drugs at reduced prices. 

• If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional or check the MHRA’s list of registered suppliers

Anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Christina Parfitt or has any information about the sale of counterfeit or unlicensed medicines, is urged to contact the City of London Police on 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.