The Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against Walgreens Boots Alliance, alleging that the pharmacy chain filled millions of prescriptions without legitimate medical purposes. The lawsuit claims violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and False Claims Act (FCA), asserting that Walgreens sought reimbursement from federal health care programs for these prescriptions.
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 complaint alleges that from August 2012 onwards, Walgreens knowingly filled prescriptions lacking a legitimate medical purpose and pressured pharmacists to fill them quickly without verifying their validity.
Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual emphasized the importance of these laws in protecting communities from the opioid epidemic. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg noted the continued impact of the crisis nationwide, while U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron highlighted Walgreens' failure to ensure lawful dispensing practices.
Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny remarked on Walgreens' repeated disregard for its obligations in New York, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song reiterated the department's commitment to corporate accountability in combating the opioid crisis.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram criticized Walgreens for ignoring red flags regarding suspicious prescribing practices, endangering public safety by prioritizing profit over patient safety.
Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank stressed that pharmacies must dispense drugs responsibly, as millions rely on them for health care services.
Four whistleblowers previously employed by Walgreens initiated actions under FCA provisions, which allow private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery.
The case is being handled by several attorneys from different districts and branches within the Justice Department, with assistance from various federal agencies involved in investigating health care fraud and combating the opioid crisis.
The Justice Department remains committed to addressing those who have contributed to this crisis through unlawful actions, as part of its broader efforts coordinated by the Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force established in March 2023.
The allegations against Walgreens are yet to be proven in court.
