Millions Of Dollars From Kroger To Fight Fentanyl Crisis in WA state

Fentanyl overdoses. They're common in cities all around the country. In fact 31 people have died of overdoses in Yakima County so far this year. Half of the deaths are connected to the deadly drug fentanyl. Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice says many people are dying after taking pills laced with fentayl. The pills are sold on the street as percocet.

A SETTLEMENT WITH KROGER MEANS MILLIONS FOR WA STATE

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced the company Kroger is paying $47.5 million to the state of Washington to help fight the fentanyl crisis. Half of the money will go to the state of Washington and other half will be split between city and county governments.

A LAWSUIT WAS FILED AGAINST KROGER IN 2022

Ferguson filed a lawsuit against Kroger in December of 2022 in King County Superior Court. The suit was filed for "illegally, recklessly and negligently filling opioid orders without adequately investigating 'red flags' of fraud or overprescribing."

MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN GAINED BY FERGUSON

All total Ferguson's office, through a series of lawsuits has been able to gain $1.29 billion that's being used for programs to help save lives and help communities recover.
The resolution with Kroger, which will pay $47.5 million over an 11-year period. The first payment is expected soon for a total of $4.3 million.
Some of that money is expected to be sent to governments in easter and central Wa including Yakima County.