City of Charleston Files Suit Against Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors

Charleston, S.C.—Today, the city of Charleston joined other South Carolina jurisdictions in filing a complaint (attached) in the Court of Common Pleas Ninth Judicial Circuit against manufacturers and distributors of opioids, seeking to end the destructive effects the opioid epidemic has had on the Charleston community and to recoup tax dollars spent as a result of
the defendants’ illegal marketing, sales, and distribution of opioids.
According to data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, an average of 248 pain pills was distributed for every Charleston County resident each year from 2006 to 2012.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, “We have seen far too many cases of overdose, addiction, hospitalization and other devastating effects of the opioid epidemic here in Charleston. Put simply, enough is enough. By bringing action against those who have contributed to this problem, we hope not just to recover the costs of our ongoing response to this crisis, but to help our citizens whose lives have been damaged by opioid use and to prevent this epidemic from wreaking further havoc on our community.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

• Jack O’Toole, Director of Communications
• Media Relations/Public Information
• (843) 518-3228
• otoolej@charleston-sc.gov