PHARMACIST STEVE

Investigations Involving Publix in Palm Beach County, FL

DOJ/DEA Investigations: Findings

• Opioid Distribution Scrutiny:
  Publix has been named in federal lawsuits related to opioid dispensing practices. Records indicate that Publix was one of the largest sellers of oxycodone in Florida by 2019, and some lawsuits allege the company failed to properly monitor suspicious opioid prescribing and dispensing patterns within its pharmacies. However, as of early 2024, the DEA has not undertaken public enforcement actions specifically targeting Publix for criminal wrongdoing. These matters appear to be part of broader civil litigation over national opioid distribution, rather than a targeted DOJ/DEA investigation exclusively into Publix in Palm Beach County1.

• Drug Trafficking Intersections (Not Direct Publix Investigations):
  Law enforcement agencies, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, have conducted major multi-agency investigations into retail theft and drug trafficking that at times intersected with Publix locations—such as illicit transactions occurring in Publix parking lots. In one high-profile case, undercover officers purchased fentanyl laced with xylazine from a dealer in a Publix parking lot, leading to felony trafficking charges. These operations targeted criminal networks and drug dealers operating in the area, not Publix or its corporate practices directly2.

Related Legal and Law Enforcement Activity

• Retail Theft Operations:
  Publix has participated as a partner with law enforcement in investigations and press conferences related to major retail theft rings. These theft rings targeted Publix and other large retailers, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects. Again, the focus was on criminal organizations stealing from Publix, not on Publix being under investigation itself34.

• Other Legal Issues
  There have been lawsuits and allegations around labor practices and personal injury claims at Publix locations in Palm Beach County, but these do not involve DOJ/DEA criminal investigations56.

Summary:
There is no evidence as of July 2025 of Publix in or around Palm Beach County, FL being the subject of a federal Department of Justice (DOJ) or Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) criminal investigation. The most relevant connections to DOJ/DEA interests involve Publix’s historical role as an opioid pharmacy (primarily scrutinized in broader civil litigation) and instances where Publix premises were used by outside individuals for criminal activities. The DEA has declined to comment on Publix’s opioid sales history, and no enforcement actions are publicly listed against Publix by the DOJ or DEA for activities in this region123.