Today, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone issued the following statement regarding the amended lawsuit filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James seeking damages from Purdue Pharma, the Sacker family, and others allegedly responsible for the opioid crisis.
“Suffolk County is taking a page out of Big Tobacco’s playbook to hold the Sackler family and others accountable for their role in connection with the opioid crisis. I applaud New York State Attorney General James for joining in our efforts to recoup untold amounts of public funds that were spent to assist those afflicted by this epidemic. It is our hope that our lawsuit, and ones like it, will bear fruit that forever changes the way destructive—but profitable—drugs are marketed and sold across the nation.”
On Background
Suffolk County was the first municipality in New York State to bring action against the Sackler families.
“Suffolk county in Long Island has sued several family members, and Connecticut and New York are considering criminal fraud and racketeering charges against leading family members.” (The Guardian, 11/19/2018)
Suffolk County was the first county in New York State to sue drugmakers in connection with the opioid crisis.
"Suffolk County became the second county in the nation and the first in New York to sue drugmakers in connection with opioid abuse." (Newsday, 11/16/2017)
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