American retail giant Walmart has said it has agreed to a $3.1 billion settlement, resolving allegations that it contributed to the US opioid crisis by failing to regulate prescriptions at its stores.
The funds will go to communities nationwide, and the settlement "will require significant improvements in how Walmart's pharmacies handle opioids," New York Attorney General Letitia James added in a statement.
This comes as the opioid crisis in the United States - causing more than 500,000 deaths over 20 years - triggered a series of court cases against drugmakers, distributors and pharmacies.
US pharmacy chains CVS Health and Walgreens similarly reached preliminary agreements this month to pay more than a total of $10 billion to resolve opioid claims.
"Pharmacies such as Walmart played an undeniable role in perpetuating opioids' destruction," said Ms James, adding that the settlement is being sent to other states for review and approval.
In a separate statement, Walmart said that it "strongly disputes" the allegations but believes the settlement will help communities in the fight against the crisis.
