The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against Walgreens Boots Alliance, alleging that the pharmacy chain filled millions of prescriptions lacking legitimate medical purpose, violating the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA). The complaint was submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated, "This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs." The government claims that from August 2012 onwards, Walgreens pharmacists dispensed controlled substances despite evident red flags suggesting illegitimacy.

Walgreens is accused of ignoring warnings from its own pharmacists and internal data about unlawful prescriptions. The company allegedly pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly without verifying their validity and prevented them from sharing concerns about certain prescribers.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois emphasized the importance of CSA and FCA in combating opioid misuse: "These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic."

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida remarked on ongoing efforts to address those contributing to community harm through unlawful prescription practices.

DEA Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos noted, "Walgreens placed the public in danger by disregarding their responsibility," stressing continued enforcement against entities prioritizing profit over safety.

The lawsuit follows whistleblower actions under FCA provisions, allowing private parties to sue on behalf of the U.S., with four cases consolidated into United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

If found liable, Walgreens may face substantial civil penalties per unlawful prescription under CSA violations and additional penalties under FCA breaches related to federal health care reimbursements.

The Justice Department's action underscores its commitment to tackling health care fraud as part of broader efforts coordinated by an Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force established in March 2023.