Nevada’s lawsuit against Kroger, which operates Smith’s grocery stores and pharmacies, intensifies the ongoing legal efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis.
The 56-page complaint filed by Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office in Clark County District Court alleges that Kroger knowingly distributed excessive quantities of prescription opioids despite clear evidence of overprescribing. This practice, according to the lawsuit, contributed significantly to Nevada’s opioid epidemic by fostering an illegal secondary market.
The complaint highlights Kroger’s failure to address suspicious orders and red flags that should have alerted the company to the misuse of these powerful drugs.
It also accuses the company of treating past fines as a cost of doing business, allowing its pharmacies to continue dispensing opioids in amounts far exceeding legitimate medical needs.
While Kroger had previously settled with a coalition of 30 states, including Nevada, for $1.37 billion, this new lawsuit targets specific state law violations, with Nevada seeking additional damages.
The outcome of this case could further complicate the company’s legal landscape, particularly given the ongoing scrutiny over its role in the opioid crisis.