WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 21, 2025 — Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries have agreed to pay up to $350 million to resolve allegations that the company illegally filled millions of opioid prescriptions and submitted false claims to federal health care programs, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Under the terms of the settlement, Walgreens will pay $300 million upfront, with an additional $50 million due if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before fiscal year 2032. This marks one of the largest Controlled Substances Act civil settlements in history and underscores the government’s continued efforts to hold corporations accountable for their role in the ongoing opioid crisis.
The Justice Department, working with the DEA and HHS Office of Inspector General, alleges that between August 2012 and March 2023, Walgreens knowingly filled prescriptions that were unlawful, excessive, or medically unnecessary, including combinations of drugs commonly abused together. Pharmacists were reportedly under pressure to fill prescriptions quickly, often bypassing safeguards designed to detect abuse or diversion.
Trending
Hillsboro Lottery Player Wins $50,000 on Scratch-Off Ticket
Additionally, Walgreens allegedly submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare and other federal programs for these unlawful prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act.
“Pharmacies must act as gatekeepers—not enablers—when it comes to controlled substances,” said Attorney...
KATSEYE’s Lara falsely reported to ICE amid fan dispute and immigration raids across US cities A member of HYBE’s girl group KATSEYE, Lara, was falsely reported to US Immigration and Customs Enfor...