Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, in conjunction with a bipartisan coalition of thirty state attorneys general, announced Monday a landmark settlement with Kroger, resulting in a total of $1.37 billion aimed at addressing the grocery chain's role in the opioid crisis.

This settlement is expected to provide Alabama with approximately $19.8 million for opioid abatement, with payments slated to begin early next year according to a news release.

"Alabama has taken a bold path to address the opioid crisis that is devastating communities around the state, and today's announcement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to address this epidemic," Marshall said in the release. "As these funds begin to flow into the state, my office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring accountability and directing these resources toward urgently needed support for communities affected by addiction."

As part of the agreement, Kroger has committed to implementing injunctive relief measures requiring its pharmacies to actively monitor, report, and share data regarding suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. This initiative aims to prevent further misuse of these medications in communities across Alabama.

Kroger operates eleven grocery stores in the state under its own brand as well as several subsidiaries, including Harris Teeter, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Smith's Food and Drug, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.

This settlement marks the latest in a series of actions by Attorney General Marshall to combat the opioid epidemic and hold accountable those contributing to it. Previously, Alabama secured over $730 million in settlements related to claims against drug manufacturers and other entities implicated in the crisis. Last year, as settlement funds began to reach state and local communities, Marshall reminded local leaders of the importance of implementing long-term strategies and warned that any non-approved allocations of these funds could jeopardize future payments from opioid defendants.