In recent months, pharmacies across Brazil, particularly in São Paulo, have become hotspots for armed robberies as criminals seek to steal sought-after weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. This trend reflects the growing societal pressure on body image and the widespread unaffordability of these medications in a country grappling with rising obesity rates.
The alarming situation came to light when a pharmacist, David Fernando, encountered an armed robber demanding both cash and medications late one evening. The thief targeted Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda, injectable drugs that are both desired and expensive, costing between 700 to 1,100 Brazilian reais (approximately $120 to $190), while the average monthly salary is around $300. Given the high value of these medications and their freezing storage behind pharmacy counters, the robbers are well aware of what they are after.
Mr. Fernando's pharmacy has been hit multiple times in recent months, highlighting a troubling trend where even armed security guards are now stationed outside. In one frightening incident last August, a police officer intervened during an Ozempic heist, resulting in a shootout that caused injuries to bystanders. This scenario not only raises concerns for the safety of pharmacy staff and customers but also exposes a societal divide; many Brazilians are desperate for these weight-loss solutions that remain financially out of reach.
As the police and community grapple with this growing crime wave, the broader implications of body image pressures in Brazil remain alarming, indicating a need for systemic change to address both accessibility to medical treatments and public safety issues surrounding crime.
