Washington wins $900 million verdict against Albertsons for fueling opioid crisis

The Attorney General’s Office prevailed on behalf of Washingtonians today in its case against Albertsons’ pharmacies after a King County Superior Court judge ruled the company failed to prevent the misuse of opioids, significantly contributing to the crisis that continues to kill thousands of Washingtonians every year.

Judge Janet Helson ruled Albertsons violated the law and failed to guard against the misuse and diversion of dangerous controlled substances, ordering a $900 million judgment, plus fees and costs, to address the consequences of the company’s unlawful actions.

The victory for the state concluded a multi-year case in which the AG’s office proved Albertsons repeatedly failed to adequately resolve “red flags of diversion,” warning signs that indicate a drug may be misused or diverted towards the illicit drug market.

Pharmacists have a responsibility under state and federal law to identify, investigate, and resolve these red flags, and then to document that process. Between 2006 and 2022, Albertsons dispensed more than 641 million opioid pills into Washington, the majority of which had red flags that weren’t appropriately investigated and resolved.

“This is a victory for the people of Washington. When giant corporations put profits above safety, they will be held accountable,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This verdict can’t undo the devastating harms of the opioid crisis, but it will provide desperately needed resources to support treatment and prevent future crises.”

The Crisis Continues - read more here