CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a Raleigh County pharmacy for allegedly dispensing millions of prescription painkillers over a seven year period despite significant competition.
According to the lawsuit, Crab Orchard Pharmacy Inc. in Crab Orchard, provided customers with 4.6 million doses of hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Crab Orchard is a town of less than 2,700 residents. Additionally, Raleigh County has 33 total pharmacies and 8 medical facilities licensed to dispense these drugs.
The lawsuit alleges Crab Orchard Pharmacy acted in violation of the state’s Controlled Substance Act and Consumer Protection and Credit Act for failing to identify suspicious prescriptions or determine if it was dispensing a suspicious amount of pills. The lawsuit also charges the pharmacy with multiple complaints including unfair methods of competition, negligence and creating a public nuisance.
“Every participant in the supply chain must guard against diversion and abuse,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement. “Every red flag and warning sign must be examined, and this lawsuit demonstrates my commitment to taking appropriate action when stakeholders fail to meet that standard.”
The attorney general is seeking an injunction, civil penalties and punitive damages.
Crab Orchard Pharmacy is the third drug store sued in the past month. The attorney general’s office has made similar allegations against Larry’s Drive-in Pharmacy of Madison in Boone County, and Judy’s Drug Store Inc. of Petersburg in Grant County.