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Go to TempleCityTribune.com for Temple City Specific News M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 28, 2020 - J A N U A RY 3, 2021 V O L U M E 11, N O. 52
Department of Justice Files Nationwide The Rose Parade’s Virtual NewYear Lawsuit Against Walmart Inc. for Celebration Controlled Substances Act Violations
Photo by Terry Miller
Courtesy photo
In a civil complaint filed on Dec. 22, the Department of Justice has alleged that Walmart Inc. unlawfully dispensed controlled substances from pharmacies it operated across the country and unlawfully distributed controlled substances to those pharmacies throughout the height of the prescription opioid crisis. The complaint alleges that this unlawful conduct resulted in hundreds of thousands of violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Justice Department seeks civil penalties, which could total in the billions of dollars, and injunctive relief. “It has been a priority of this administration to hold accountable those responsible for the prescription opioid crisis. As one of the largest pharmacy chains and wholesale drug distributors in the country, Walmart had the responsibility and the means to help prevent
the diversion of prescription opioids,” said Jeffrey Bossert Clark, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division. “Instead, for years, it did the opposite — filling thousands of invalid prescriptions at its pharmacies and failing to report suspicious orders of opioids and other drugs placed by those pharmacies. This unlawful conduct contributed to the epidemic of opioid abuse throughout the United States. The filing represents an important step in the effort to hold Walmart accountable for such conduct.” “We entrust distributors and dispensers with the responsibility to ensure controlled substances do not fall into the wrong hands,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “When processes to safeguard against drug diversion are violated or ignored, or when pharmacies routinely fill illegitimate prescriptions,
we will hold accountable anyone responsible, including Walmart. Too many lives have been lost because of oversight failures and those entrusted with responsibility turning a blind eye.” The result of a multi-year investigation by the department’s Prescription Interdiction & Litigation (PIL) Task Force, the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleges that Walmart violated the CSA in multiple ways as the operator of its pharmacies and wholesale drug distribution centers. The complaint alleges that, as the operator of its pharmacies, Walmart knowingly filled thousands of controlled substance prescriptions that were not issued for legitimate medical purposes or in the usual course of medical practice, and that it filled prescriptions outside the ordinary course of pharmacy practice. The complaint also alleges that, as the operator
of its distribution centers, which ceased distributing controlled substances in 2018, Walmart received hundreds of thousands of suspicious orders that it failed to report as required to by the DEA. Together, the complaint alleges, these actions helped to fuel the prescription opioid crisis. If Walmart is found liable for violating the CSA, it could face civil penalties of up to $67,627 for each unlawful prescription filled and $15,691 for each suspicious order not reported. The court also may award injunctive relief to prevent Walmart from committing further CSA violations. “For years, Walmart failed to meet its obligations in distributing and dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel J. Feith of the Civil Division’s
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The new year is almost here and we’re getting ready to celebrate with some of our most spectacular floats and floral décor! Pasadena Tournament of Roses® announced the nine featured segments appearing in “The Rose Parade’s New Year Celebration presented by Honda.” Each segment will spotlight awardwinning float participants and sponsors, their Rose Parade legacy and their commitment to the community. Some have been Rose Parade mainstays for decades, while others are just getting started on the annual procession down Colorado Boulevard. Cal Poly Universities – A behind-the-scenes look into the making of a float City of Hope – Celebrating doctors, nurses, cancer survivors and new beginnings Dole Packaged Foods – highlighting its efforts to bring access to sustainable nutrition for 1 billion people by 2025 Donate Life – Presenting a floral sculpture to honor organ and tissue donors, as well as healthcare heroes who make the gift of life possible FTD – Contributing their iconic floral décor in the Rose Parade for nearly 70 years
Honda – Celebrating more than 60 years of innovation and commitment to helping others Kaiser Permanente – Honoring health care heroes and a healthy, thriving world Trader Joe’s – Saluting store Crew Members who are nourishing their neighborhoods, every day The UPS Store – Highlighting their dedication to literacy, providing children resources to read The Tournament of Roses has partnered with six broadcasters to air the two-hour TV entertainment special on New Year’s Day. The show will air during the time slot traditionally reserved for live coverage of the Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The special will air on ABC, Hallmark Channel, KTLA, NBC and RFD-TV at 8 a.m. PST and on Univision at 7 a.m. PST on January 1, 2021. To keep everyone safe, all new footage for the special was filmed using the strictest COVID-19 safety protocols. For more information about “The Rose Parade’s New Year Celebration presented by Honda,” visit our website at tournamentofroses.com.