Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 30 states, has announced a $1.37 billion settlement with Kroger. This agreement addresses the grocery chain's involvement in the opioid crisis. Arizona is set to receive up to $68.5 million for efforts aimed at opioid abatement, with payments expected to start 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 will continue to do everything possible to hold accountable those responsible for this crisis – and we will continue to fight to protect Arizona families from the devastating impacts of opioid addiction.”
As part of the settlement, Kroger has agreed to implement injunctive relief measures. These measures require its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data on suspicious activities related to opioid prescriptions.
Kroger operates grocery stores throughout Arizona under its own name and through subsidiaries such as Smith’s Food and Drug and Fry’s.