PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania is classifying the animal tranquilizer xylazine as a controlled substance, amid reports it has devastated illegal drug users in Philadelphia.
Xylazine, known as “tranq,” has joined fentanyl as the chief contaminant in the city’s street drugs. It’s been found in 90% of the drug supply.
Not only does it make overdoses more likely — because it’s a powerful sedative but not an opioid that can be easily reversed with Narcan — it also causes gaping wounds that become infected and lead to sepsis and amputation.
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City Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, who represents Kensington, requested the controlled substance designation as her first act in City Council.
“I’m very excited about it,” said Lozada. “I’m also very grateful that this has been taken as seriously as it has been.”
State health officials said they didn’t simply outlaw the drug because veterinarians protested that it was essential for treating livestock. However, they said the controlled substance designation will allow law enforcement to prosecute drug traffickers that sell it.
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