Policy

States crack down on xylazine, a drug being mixed with fentanyl

The White House drug control policy office recently named the mixture an “emerging threat.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A growing number of states are moving to tighten controls on the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine, as concerns grow that its use in a mixture with other illicit drugs is contributing to overdose deaths nationwide.

Pennsylvania and Delaware issued emergency orders in the past week classifying the drug — also known as tranq — as a controlled substance, which comes with enhanced restrictions and criminal penalties for illegal distribution. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine did the same through an executive order in March.

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