New York AG Blames Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors for Record Overdose Deaths

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New York Attorney General Letitia James blamed opioid manufacturers and distributors in a statement Wednesday night for the record number of deadly drug overdoses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

James said it was a serious problem both in New York City and in the United States.

“We are in the throes of a double crisis, which has both devastated our communities and left far too many deaths,” said Attorney General James. “As we recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget to reflect on the impact drug overdoses have had on our state and our nation.”

“The United States lost a record 93,000 lives last year due to drug overdoses. Much of this excruciating loss is at the hands of the various opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible for an epidemic that has decimated communities across New York and the rest of the country, “continued James.

A bag of assorted pills and prescription drugs dropped off for disposal is on display during the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Watts Healthcare on April 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has seen an increase in drug overdose deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic, accelerating dramatically during the first months of the public health emergency, including including deaths from opioids and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Patrick T. Fallon / Getty Images

Attorney General James ended by promising to provide additional resources to the citizens of New York during this crisis.

“These new figures are a painful sign that swift and concrete action is desperately needed. That is why I have and will continue to dedicate my efforts to sending every dollar possible, as quickly as possible, to local communities to fund the reduction of opioids We have already secured the delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars to New York for prevention, treatment and recovery programs, but more is needed because this crisis is far from over, ”concluded the prosecutor General James.

Nearly 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2020 during COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is a record.

In May 2014, a lawsuit was filed against opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson, Endo, Teva and Allergan. These companies, along with other parties, have been accused of using dishonest marketing tactics to boost sales, which ultimately led to an increase in opioid use and dependence.

Specifically in New York, Johnson & Johnson pledged to hand over $ 230 million to New York State due to the opioid crisis in June 2021. It was the largest monetary settlement ever, with Attorney General James leading the bid.

“The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in countless communities across New York State and across the country, leaving millions of people still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids,” James said at the time. . Johnson & Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they pledge to quit the opioid industry, not just in New York City, but across the country. Opioids will no longer be manufactured or sold in the States- United by J&J. “

“While no amount of money will ever make up for the thousands of people who lost their lives or became addicted to opioids in our state or bring comfort to the countless families torn apart by this crisis, these funds will be used to prevent any devastation. future. “

Currently, a number of states are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases as the delta variant continues to spread. The CDC also reported that the seven-day average for new infections fell by 21,000, the highest number on record since last May.

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