The Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries, accusing the pharmacy chain of dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and seeking reimbursements from federal health care programs in breach of the False Claims Act (FCA). The complaint was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
"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," stated Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Justice Department. "Our complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful."
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song emphasized their commitment to combating the opioid crisis and enforcing corporate accountability: "We will continue to work with colleagues across the nation to confront these issues and deter pharmacies from failing to honor their obligation."
The government's allegations include claims that Walgreens filled prescriptions lacking legitimate medical purposes since August 2012. These included excessive quantities of opioids and combinations known as the "trinity," which is particularly dangerous.
Walgreens allegedly pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions without verifying their legitimacy, ignoring evidence from internal data and pharmacists themselves about potentially unlawful practices.
"As alleged in the complaint, Walgreens continually disregarded its obligations under the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act by illegally dispensing powerful controlled substances," said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for Northern District of Illinois.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg highlighted ongoing efforts against those responsible for community harm due to opioid misuse: "The filing of this civil complaint is a major step in our continued effort."
DEA Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos stressed Walgreens' failure in ensuring prescription legitimacy: "Walgreens placed the public in danger by disregarding their responsibility."
Christian J. Schrank from HHS-OIG noted that pharmacies endanger Americans' health when they prioritize profits over patients: "HHS-OIG remains diligent in pursuing entities involved in unlawful behavior."
Four whistleblowers who previously worked at Walgreens have filed actions under FCA's qui tam provisions, allowing private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims.
"The damage caused by the opioid crisis continues," said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for Maryland District, underscoring their commitment against unlawful dispensing practices.
The lawsuit is part of broader efforts by a newly formed Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force announced in March 2023 aimed at addressing contributions towards the opioid epidemic through civil litigation involving actors accused of diverting prescription opioids.
Allegations remain unproven until court determination; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For more information on enforcement efforts or details regarding involved agencies like DEA or FBI visit respective websites listed within provided resources section online at justice.gov sites related per district office mentioned above.