El Chapo was just presented (July 17, 2019) with a $12 Billion restitution bill. Big Pharma has sold 76 Billion opioid pills, at prices from $7.42 (Tramadol) to $21.75 (Oxycodone) [1]. Shouldn't Big Pharma be presented with a $563.92 - $1653.76 Billion bill?

On September 1st, 2021 the Sackler family has obtained immunity from prosecution in exchange for a $4.3B settlement. Since 1999, more than 760,000 have died from a drug overdose (Facts about Opioids - [2]). If you're rich enough, you get away with murder. The price of a human life is $5657.89 if you can afford good lawyers.

Update: the previous settlement has been rejected by the judge. As of March 3rd, 2022, the amount is now $6.0B. The Sackler family still gets away with murder, they just have to pay a little more for it: $7894.74 per life.

Update: As of June 27, 2024, the supreme court has rejected the settlement on the basis that the Sacklers can't get immunity in perpetuity. The bankrupcy process cannot be used in this way. Maybe we'll see the resolution of this case in another decade or so.

Update: As of June 17, 2025, all 50 state, DC and 4 US territories have accepted a settlement of $7.4B. Since 1999, 850,000 have now died from opioid overdose. The Sackler family now has to pay $8705.88 per life. They lose control of Purdue Pharma (now in bankrupcy) and get no immunity from future lawsuits.

[1] https://www.goodrx.com
[2] https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-statistics/index.html