California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, together with 17 other state attorneys general, announced a $5.7 billion settlement deal with pharmaceutical chain Walgreens for their alleged role in the opioid crisis.
The agreement concludes a multistate lawsuit in which Walgreens was accused of fueling and profiting from the opioid addiction problem by selling narcotics without sufficient control.
The abatement money, which will be divided among participating states, have the potential to bring in more than $500 million for California's continued efforts to offer treatment and supports to individuals addicted to opioids.
According to the attorney general, this settlement is another another victory in the ongoing struggle to provide relief and healing to California communities affected by the opioid crisis.
It will be beneficial to all people suffering from drug addiction problems, as well as those in dire need of treatment and rehabilitation choices. Walgreens must also comply with court-ordered measures in order to assist avoid another substance misuse catastrophe from arising.
The business agreed to develop a programme to educate personnel about drug diversion prevention, analyse "suspect" prescriptions before issuing them, and enable site visits to pharmacy sites.
Walgreens also committed to give sales data from its distributor to medication makers, in attempts to assist detect and prevent occasions where prescription drugs are obtained illegally
Last month, Walmart also secured a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with state attorneys general to resolve a case with identical claims.
