![Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Sues Drug Companies Over Opioids](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/Courtroom.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Sues Drug Companies Over Opioids
CASS LAKE, Minn. (AP) _ The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is suing the country's
largest opioid drug manufacturers and the three largest prescription drug distributors.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court in Minnesota.
The Leech Lake Band alleges the companies used deceptive marketing tactics to
maximize profits while minimizing the addictive nature of these drugs and the health risks to patients.
A statement from the tribe Thursday cites data from the Centers for Disease Control showing that in 2014 Native Americans had the highest rate per 100,000 people of opioid overdoses. In the four-county area containing Leech Lake's tribal lands, it says, opioid-related deaths have increased dramatically.
Several local governments across the country have filed similar lawsuits. Representatives for the drug companies have denied any wrongdoing.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Three People Hurt In Crash In Rice On Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/12/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hormel Seeking Nominations for 10 Under 20 Heroes](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-MicrosoftTeams-image-18.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Murphy Named New Principal For Clearview Elementary](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/07/clearview-elementary1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fishing is Good in MN; Where to Fish is the Challenge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/10/attachment-Glen-Schmitt-taken-by-Ben-Schmitt-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Strong Turnout At 1st Annual Spearfishing Decoy Show](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/12/attachment-DSC01510.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Body of Missing Walker Fisherman Recovered from Leech Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/09/Lake-Water.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Want To Own Your Own Movie Theater? That Chance Awaits You In Hutchinson!](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/07/attachment-Jenna-Vikse-via-Jenna-Vikse-Real-Estate.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Oddly Named Minneapolis Business Is Really An Artists Dream World](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/01/attachment-Image-Credit-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buffalo Man Unharmed After Truck Falls Through Leech Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/01/attachment-324554307_960168618285526_4374801296960491345_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)