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Payments from court settlements amounting to over $50 billion have started to flow in an effort to combat the US’ ongoing opioid crisis. However, the allocation of these funds has met with controversy over the role of law enforcement in addressing the public health issue. While some states and local governments are spending millions on overdose reversal drugs and addiction treatment medication, others are allocating funds to law enforcement resources such as body scanners and restraint devices. Campaigners have argued that no funds should be spent on law enforcement, calling for a focus on homelessness, expanding access to syringe exchange programs, and medication for addiction treatment.