While Vancouver is in the midst of its own opioid epidemic, two hours away the town of Everett, Washington is tackling the same problem — and they say Purdue Pharma is partly to blame. The city has filed a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company alleging the corporation allowed its OxyContin pills to be funneled into the black market. Everett is the epicentre of the opioid crisis in Washington state — the city has the highest overdose rate in the state. Kaman claims Purdue Pharma was under an obligation to monitor whether their product was entering and being sold on the black market. With files from The Early EditionTo listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Everett, WA sues pharmaceutical company for alleged role in opioid crisis

Source: CBC News March 14, 2017 18:33 UTC