Arizona among 30 states to receive millions of dollars in Kroger opioid settlement

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona is one of dozens of states that will receive millions of dollars as part of an agreement over the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis.

On Monday, Arizona Attorney General Chris Mayes announced the completion of a $1.37 billion settlement with Kroger and a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general.

“Today’s agreement with Kroger is another step forward in Arizona’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” Mayes said in a press release. “My office will continue to do everything we can to hold those responsible for this crisis accountable, and we will continue to fight to protect Arizona families from the devastating effects of opioid addiction.”

Kroger has stores in 35 states. The company operates grocery stores throughout Arizona under its own name as well as subsidiaries Fry’s and Smith’s Food and Drug.

Lawsuit settlement deal was announced in September 2023, when Kroger agreed to pay up to $1.2 billion to state and local governments in which it operates, $26 million to Indian tribes and approximately $177 million in attorney fees.

Mayes says Arizona will receive up to $68.5 million to combat opioid use through payments expected to begin in early 2025.

In addition, the attorney general said Kroger agreed to an injunction requiring its pharmacies to monitor, report and share data on any suspicious opioid-related activity.

See the full text of the settlement agreement here..

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