Attorney General Mayes and Bipartisan Coalition of 30 States Announce Settlement with Kroger Over Opioid Crisis

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes alongside a bipartisan coalition of thirty state attorneys general, announced today the completion of the $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger, addressing the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis. Arizona will receive up to $68.5 million for opioid abatement, with payments anticipated to begin early next year.

"Today’s settlement with Kroger is another step forward in Arizona’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Mayes. “My office will continue to do everything possible to hold accountable those responsible for this crisis – and we will continue to fight to protect Arizona families from the devastating impacts of opioid addiction.”

In addition, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

Kroger operates grocery stores across Arizona under its own name and its subsidiaries, which include, Smith’s Food and Drug and Fry’s.