WASHINGTON D.C. — There is a new way to address a rising drug threat in the country.
The threat surrounds a dangerous combination of Fentanyl and Xylazine, also known as ‘Tranq.’
Channel 2 Action News Washington Bureau Reporter Blair Miller is learning more about the impact that the issue is already having across the United States.
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The Biden Administration officials say the presence of ‘tranq’ is widespread and it has currently been detected in nearly every state.
The White House said the goal is to reduce overdose deaths from Fentanyl combined with Tranq by 15% over the next two years.
Tranq is an animal tranquilizer that slows down your heart and breathing. The drug can also cause severe physical injuries in humans, such as wounds that could lead to amputation.
David Poska lost his daughter to an overdose. He said she was stolen by Fentanyl, laced with Xylazine.
Now, he’s fighting for more to be done to deal with it.
“We need more awareness and we need more people going to jail for selling this stuff,” said Poska.
New data from the CDC shows overdose deaths linked to Tranq are skyrocketing. There were more than 3,400 in 2021.
And the White House says they’re seeing a surge in many parts of the country. A 1000% rise in overdose deaths in the south, up 750% in the west, and up 500% in the midwest.
The White House plan addresses several factors, including an effort to find an antidote.
According to the DEA, since Tranq is not an Opioid, Narcan does not reverse its effects during an overdose.
Another big part of the new plan calls for more tools for the first responders to deal with this on the local level.
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“For healthcare, professional and public health, as well as those who use drugs, the testing, and being aware that this is a new drug supply helps people make better decisions for themselves,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta.
Another aspect of this plan is determining where Tranq is coming from and finding ways to reduce it within the drug supply.
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