MADISON, W.Va. — State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is taking legal action against a Boone County pharmacy for allegedly providing nearly 10 million doses of prescription painkillers in just 11 years.
Morrisey filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Boone County Circuit Court against Larry’s Drive-In Pharmacy, of Madison, claiming the pharmacy “helped fuel the state’s opioid prescription crisis,” according to a news release.
With a county that includes fewer than 25,000 residents and, yet, millions of pills dispensed, Morrisey said the situation raised concerns.
“We believe it should have raised a number of red flags,” Morrisey told MetroNews. “It’s our belief that every part of the prescription drug supply chain must do its part to protect against potential abuse.”
The lawsuit alleges Larry’s failed to identify suspicious prescriptions or determine whether it is dispensing a suspicious number of pills.
The complaint said Larry’s violated the state’s Consumer Protection and Credit Act, as well as unfair methods of competition, negligence, unjust enrichment, creating a public nuisance and intentional acts and omissions.
Morrisey is seeking civil penalties and punitive damages, along with an injunction.
“It’s just another example of my commitment to taking aggressive action against anyone for allegedly failing to meet that standard,” he said.