BOSTON — New warnings from the DEA about “the deadliest drug threat our nation has ever faced” follow growing concerns in Massachusetts over dangerous animal tranquilizers.
Boston 25 News first reported on xylazine, also known as “tranq” and “zombie drug”, in September.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration raised the alarm Monday warned of a “surge in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine”.
Anesthetics approved by veterinarians for use in large animals are not opioids.
In other words, Narcan, an important life-saving tool in the opioid epidemic, cannot reverse its effects.
The latest data from the state-funded Cooperative Tracking Program in Massachusetts show that about one-third of New England’s illicit drug supply is laced with xylazine.
“Everyone is dropping like flies,” said Will Leavis of Boston. “I know quite a few people who have most likely died because of this new stuff. It’s only going to get worse. More people will die.”
The Boston 25 News has spoken with several people who believe a recent overdose involving people they know was linked to animal tranquilizers.
One woman said, “I have a few friends who are currently six feet below me because of this problem.” It’s like.”
Public health experts believe that people are taking xylazine unknowingly or intentionally.
This is because some people report that fentanyl’s euphoric effects linger.
“My life is in danger,” said Patricia McGrath of Boston. She said, “It was like a shock when I woke up. A feeling of something I can’t explain.”
Repeated use of xylazine can cause serious scarring, including skin ulcers and rot of human tissue, leading to amputation.
Just last month, the FDA said it took steps to prevent xylazine from entering the U.S. market for illegal purposes.
The DEA laboratory system reports that about 23% of fentanyl powders and 7% of fentanyl tablets seized by the DEA in 2022 contained xylazine.
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