Arkansas sues 3 drug distributors over opioid crisis

 Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is shown in this file photo.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is shown in this file photo.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas has sued three drug distributors for their alleged role in the opioid crisis, claiming the companies failed to monitor and report suspicious shipments of opioids into the state.

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed the lawsuit Thursday in Pulaski County Circuit Court against Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation and AmerisourceBergen. The lawsuit claims the companies' conduct has cost consumers and the state millions of dollars in payments for opioid orders that were illegal, misrepresented, unfair or harmful to consumers.

The suit is the second Rutledge, a Republican, has filed against companies over opioid abuse. Last year she sued three opioid manufacturers on behalf of the state.

At least 40 states have sued drug companies over the toll of the opioid crisis.

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