PHOENIX – In a major legal development addressing the opioid crisis, Attorney General Kris Mayes, together with a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general, has announced a $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger. This agreement aims to address Kroger’s role in the opioid epidemic, with Arizona set to receive up to $68.5 million to support opioid abatement efforts, with initial payments expected to begin early next year.
“Today’s settlement with Kroger is another step forward in Arizona’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” stated Attorney General Mayes. “My office is committed to holding those accountable who contributed to this epidemic, and we will continue to fight to protect Arizona families from the devastating impacts of opioid addiction.”
As part of the agreement, Kroger has also agreed to significant injunctive relief measures. These include requirements for its pharmacies to implement stricter monitoring, reporting, and data-sharing protocols to detect suspicious opioid prescription activities.
Kroger operates several grocery store brands in Arizona, including Smith’s Food and Drug and Fry’s, which will be subject to these new compliance measures. This settlement follows a series of recent agreements with major pharmacy chains as states pursue accountability for the companies linked to the opioid crisis.
