Attorney General Phil Weiser, along with a bipartisan group of 30 state attorneys general, has announced the finalization of a $1.37 billion settlement with Kroger. This agreement addresses the grocery chain's involvement in the opioid crisis. Colorado is set to receive nearly $70 million for opioid abatement, with payments expected to start early next year.
"Our work addressing the opioid crisis remains a top priority," stated Weiser. "A core part of that work is holding accountable entities like Kroger that fail to act to protect Coloradans and bringing back funds to Colorado. With the funds coming from this settlement, we will be able to save lives."
Kroger has also agreed to implement measures requiring its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. The company operates 149 King Soopers and City Market grocery stores across Colorado.
This settlement marks the latest effort by Weiser and his office in combating the opioid crisis and holding accountable those responsible for it. Colorado is projected to receive over $790 million in legal settlements with drug manufacturers and others involved in the crisis.
Weiser leads the statewide response through the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council, which oversees opioid fund distribution among 19 regional councils. As of July 2024, Colorado has received $110 million in settlement funds, distributing 90% of these resources to regions and local governments for various programs related to opioid response.
Last year, Colorado was awarded the Excellence in the Application of Opioid Litigation Principles Award by The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for its planning and regional collaboration efforts.