Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on May 1 that a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, has become legally effective, ending nearly ten years of legal action by attorneys general nationwide over the company’s role in the opioid crisis.
The settlement is significant because it addresses litigation against Purdue and the Sacklers for producing and marketing opioids in ways that fueled what officials call the largest drug crisis in U.S. history. Griffin said Arkansas will receive an estimated $44.5 million from the agreement, which will be divided into thirds among the state government, municipalities, and counties.
“With this settlement becoming legally effective, I am grateful to the countless people who have worked on this case and who have been on the front lines of combating the opioid crisis in Arkansas for many years,” Griffin said. “Arkansas will receive an estimated $44.5 million of the settlement. As with previous settlements, Arkansas’s portion will be split into thirds… The money from this settlement can never fully repair the lives that were harmed by the proliferation of opioids, but it will aid in our continued commitment to treatment, research, and prevention.”
According to Griffin’s office, fifty-five attorneys general representing all eligible U.S. states and territories signed onto this agreement which permanently bars members of the Sackler family from selling opioids in America while delivering funds for addiction treatment over fifteen years.
The terms require Purdue’s manufacturing operations to transfer immediately to Knoa Pharma LLC under independent oversight; Knoa is prohibited from marketing opioids and must comply with monitoring requirements designed to limit misuse risks. The deal also compels public disclosure of more than 30 million documents related to Purdue’s opioid business.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office engages in initiatives addressing public integrity and community relations across Arkansas according to its official website. It offers consumer protection services while handling civil and criminal matters as well as supporting public safety initiatives according to its official website. The office serves all Arkansans with legal services according to its official website and provides resources for fraud reporting along with community education programs according to its official website. It operates within legal and public safety sectors at a state level according to its official website.
Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 after holding various positions including Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas; he continues his service as an officer in both Army National Guard roles domestically and abroad.
