Doña Ana County approved a multi-million dollar settlement with several pharmacy chains for the companies' roles in creating an opioid crisis in New Mexico.
The Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 28 approved the settlement which will settle its cases against Albertsons, CVS Pharmacy, Kroger( Smith's Food and Drug) and Walmart.
Doña Ana County will receive $3.4 million as a result. The county said the money will be used to "address the harm caused to the residents of Doña Ana County because of the opioid crisis in the county."
The State of New Mexico and several of the local governments, including Doña Ana County, filed a lawsuit against numerous entities for their roles in creating the opioid crisis in New Mexico.
The State of New Mexico then went to trial against several retail pharmacies in its lawsuit during the fall.
Before the court issued its verdict after hearing evidence, the state entered into a settlement with the pharmacies.
Doña Ana County also previously entered into a settlement with several other large distributors of opioids.
The case continues with other defendants including several manufacturers, distributors and other pharmacies that were not included in this settlement.
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