WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of National Drug Control Policy is declaring “tranq” as an emerging threat. This means the federal government can now take steps to combat it in our communities.
The DEA says tranq was also detected in more than 3,000 overdose deaths in 2021 alone.
The drug Xylazine or Tranq is most commonly used by veterinarians.
It’s a depressant that can slow down someone’s heart rate and breathing.
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Tranq can also cause severe physical injuries in humans.
The DEA says people who inject drug mixtures containing tranq can develop wounds that may lead to amputation. But this isn’t the only danger of this drug.
DEA officials explain since Xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan does not reverse its effects during an overdose.
This is the first time officials are using the “emerging threat” designation.
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This includes requesting $11 million for this effort.
Officials say their plan also involves creating an antidote and figuring out how tranq was first introduced into illicit drug supplies.
DEA officials say this threat is growing quickly, too.
The federal agency has already seized tranq and fentanyl mixtures in almost all 50 states.
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