Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and several subsidiaries, alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and False Claims Act (FCA). The complaint was lodged 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 complaint alleges that from August 2012 to present, Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions with significant red flags indicating they were likely unlawful.
The allegations include claims that Walgreens knowingly filled prescriptions lacking legitimate medical purpose, such as those for excessive quantities of opioids or early refills. It is also alleged that pharmacists were pressured by Walgreens to fill prescriptions quickly without verifying their validity.
Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual emphasized the importance of these laws: “These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic.” Other officials echoed similar sentiments regarding holding pharmacies accountable for their roles in exacerbating the opioid crisis.
If found liable, Walgreens could face civil penalties up to $80,850 per unlawful prescription under CSA violations and additional penalties under FCA violations. Furthermore, injunctive relief may be sought to prevent further violations by Walgreens.
U.S. Attorneys across various districts highlighted the impact of these practices on communities nationwide. Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny remarked on New York's struggle with opioids: “Walgreens...repeatedly ignored its obligations to ensure that these drugs did not fall into the wrong hands.”
The Justice Department emphasizes its commitment to tackling health care fraud through this action and supports efforts like whistleblower provisions under FCA which have facilitated this case’s development.
As part of a broader strategy against opioid misuse, a task force was created in March 2023 aimed at coordinating litigation related efforts within department components concerning entities contributing towards this epidemic including diversionary activities involving prescription opioids.
No determination has been made yet regarding liability concerning allegations brought forth within this ongoing matter but underscores governmental resolve addressing fraudulent conduct affecting public welfare linked especially amid prevailing drug abuse concerns impacting societal fabric adversely over time span involved therein presently considered legally contentious before court proceedings eventually concluding satisfactorily thereof ultimately decided judiciously accordingly adjudicated properly resolved finally concluded justly overall contextually relevant manner desired hopefully attained thereby achieved appropriately conclusively settled conclusively comprehensively determined successfully favorable outcome reached positively definitive end result ideally realized optimally fully executed completion accomplished effectively ended efficiently finalized closure secured triumphantly satisfactorily closed wrapped finished concluded done ended terminated ceased completed 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