US alleges Walgreens filled millions of prescriptions without medical purpose

Pigeons are seen resting on signage for Walgreens, owned by the Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., in Manhattan, New York City

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Friday it has filed a lawsuit alleging that pharmacy chain operator Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions that lacked a legitimate medical purpose.

If found liable, Walgreens, which is one of the country's largest pharmacy chains with over 8,000 pharmacies across the U.S., could face civil penalties of up to $80,850 for each unlawful prescription, the Justice Department said in a statement.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)