Walmart Reaches Settlement with Justice Department Over Improper Opioid Dispensing

Walmart and the Justice Department announced a settlement of the lawsuit that claimed the retailer violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing opioids from its nearly 4,600 pharmacies without proper verification. Federal prosecutors had asserted that Walmart filled thousands of bogus prescriptions and neglected to report suspicious drug orders, actions they said fueled the opioid epidemic that claimed over 800,000 lives between 1999 and 2023.

Had the case gone to trial, Walmart could have faced penalties of $67,627 per unlawful fill and $15,691 for each missed report. The settlement amount was not disclosed. A Walmart spokesperson said the company was pleased to resolve the matter and would keep supporting pharmacists, while the Justice Department reiterated its commitment to hold accountable those whose illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distribution practices endanger communities.