Zombie Drug Xylazine: Rising Concerns Over Smuggling into the U.S

“zombie Drug” Xylazine: A Growing Threat at the Southern Border and Across the U.S.

A perilous tranquilizer called xylazine, disturbingly known on the streets as “tranq” or the “zombie drug,” is increasingly making its way into the U.S., primarily through the southern border, raising alarms among health officials and law enforcement. Originally used by veterinarians as a sedative for animals,xylazine’s presence in the illicit drug supply,particularly when mixed with the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl,is creating a deadly and disfiguring combination that’s rapidly spreading across the nation.

The crisis has escalated since the 2010s, when xylazine was primarily sourced from thefts at veterinary clinics, mainly along the East Coast. Now, evidence suggests that the drug is being manufactured and smuggled into the U.S., significantly expanding its reach and impact.

Dr. Joseph Friedman, a leading researcher on xylazine, warned of the drug’s evolving source in a recent interview. “There’s evidence of it being imported into the U.S. through the southern border and also evidence of diversion of domestic veterinary supply,” he explained. This dual pathway underscores the complexity of combating the drug’s spread and highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach.

Friedman’s latest research, published in January, pinpoints Tijuana, Mexico, and Southern California as key areas where xylazine is increasingly found mixed with fentanyl. “Our study showed it being mixed into fentanyl in Tijuana, Mexico, specifically, and it’s also present in San Diego and southern California more broadly,” he said.

The consequences of xylazine use are horrifying. The drug constricts blood vessels, drastically reducing oxygen flow and leading to severe skin ulcerations and necrosis, giving users a “zombie-like” appearance.These gruesome wounds ofen require extensive medical intervention, including amputation, placing a important burden on healthcare systems already strained by the opioid crisis.

One of the most alarming aspects of xylazine is that it dose not respond to naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This means that when someone overdoses on a combination of xylazine and fentanyl, naloxone can only counteract the effects of the opioid, leaving the effects of xylazine unaddressed. Because it’s almost always found in combination with fentanyl, this significantly complicates rescue efforts and reduces the chances of survival.

“It’s almost exclusively used together with fentanyl to augment it, almost never by itself,” Friedman stated, highlighting the synergistic danger.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further illustrates the alarming trend. A 2022 study revealed a sharp increase in xylazine prevalence in opioid-related deaths, jumping from 2.9% in January 2019 to a staggering 10.9% by June 2022. Friedman’s own 2022 research indicated that in over 98% of xylazine detections, fentanyl was also present. His study also showed xylazine presence in overdose deaths had jumped from 3.6% in 2015 to 6.7% in 2020. This exponential growth underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention efforts, and harm reduction strategies.

The Drug Enforcement Management (DEA) issued a public safety alert in 2023, characterizing xylazine as a threat multiplier in the existing fentanyl crisis. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” the DEA warned. The agency also reported the presence of xylazine in fentanyl mixtures seized in 48 out of 50 states in 2022, with approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills containing the veterinary tranquilizer.

Recent Developments and Addressing The Crisis:

Recognizing the severity of the situation, federal and state agencies are scrambling to address the xylazine crisis. Legislative Efforts: In April 2023, the White House designated fentanyl combined with xylazine as an “emerging threat” to the united States. This designation enabled the Biden administration to allocate resources and develop a national response plan to address the illegal drug combination. Congress is also considering legislation to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance, which would impose stricter regulations on its production, distribution, and possession.

Increased border Security: Authorities are intensifying efforts to intercept xylazine shipments at the southern border. The US Navy deployed additional warships to combat illegal immigration and drug smuggling. These efforts aim to disrupt the supply chain and prevent the drug from entering the country.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Public health organizations are launching campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of xylazine and educate the public on harm reduction strategies. These campaigns target both drug users and healthcare providers, providing critical information on identifying xylazine-related overdoses and managing xylazine-induced wounds.

Treatment and Harm Reduction: Experts are working on developing new treatment strategies for xylazine-related overdoses. While naloxone does not reverse the effects of xylazine, it is crucial to administer it anyway, as fentanyl is often involved. Healthcare providers are also exploring methods to manage xylazine-induced wounds and prevent further complications. Harm reduction strategies, such as testing drug supplies for xylazine and providing safe injection sites, are also being implemented in some areas.

Practical Applications and What You Can Do:

Be Informed: Educate yourself and your community about the dangers of xylazine and fentanyl.

Support Harm Reduction Efforts: Advocate for increased access to naloxone, drug testing services, and safe injection sites in your community. Demand Action From Policymakers: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that addresses the xylazine crisis.

If You Suspect An Overdose: Call 911 immediately.administer naloxone if available, even if you suspect xylazine is involved, to counteract any potential opioid component. Provide rescue breathing until medical help arrives.

The emergence of xylazine as a contaminant in the U.S. drug supply presents a complex and urgent challenge. Combating this threat requires a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community. By increasing awareness,implementing harm reduction strategies,and developing new treatment approaches,we can work together to save lives and protect communities from the devastating effects of this dangerous drug.

What are the key differences between xylazine’s effects and those of traditional opioids?

“Zombie Drug” Xylazine: An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed on the Growing Threat

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. Reed. Thank you for joining us today. The topic of xylazine, often referred to as the “zombie drug,” is causing meaningful concern. Could you give us an overview of what xylazine is and why it’s becoming such a pressing issue?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me.Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer primarily used in veterinary medicine.However, it has increasingly contaminated the illicit drug supply, especially when mixed with fentanyl, creating a potent and risky combination.Its presence is leading to a surge in overdoses and severe health complications across the U.S.

The Path to the U.S. and Its Effects

Archyde News Editor: Can you walk us through how xylazine is entering the country and where the problem is most pronounced?

Dr. Reed: Xylazine is entering the U.S. primarily through the southern border, with evidence also pointing to diversion from the domestic veterinary supply. Recent research has shown that areas like Tijuana, Mexico, and Southern California are key hubs where xylazine is mixed with fentanyl. The effects are devastating,causing severe skin ulcerations and necrosis,and the drug’s presence complicates rescue efforts and reduces survival rates due to its resistance to naloxone.

The Threat Multiplier: Xylazine and Fentanyl

Archyde News Editor: As the data shows,the combination of xylazine and fentanyl is particularly dangerous. In what ways does xylazine exacerbate the already existing fentanyl crisis?

Dr. reed: Xylazine acts as a “threat multiplier.” It’s almost always mixed with fentanyl to augment its effects. The issue is that naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, doesn’t work on xylazine. This makes overdose reversal incredibly difficult, as the effects of xylazine persist, causing severe complications. The combination also leads to a higher risk of organ failure and amputation due to reduced blood flow.

Combating the Xylazine Crisis: Solutions and Strategies

Archyde News Editor: What steps are being taken at the federal and local levels to combat this crisis? What can individuals do to help?

Dr. reed: The federal government has recognized xylazine as an emerging threat. Efforts include legislative actions like considering stricter regulations, increased border security to stop the drug flow, and public awareness campaigns. Individuals can educate themselves and their communities, support harm reduction efforts such as increased access to naloxone, and advocate for policy changes. If an overdose is suspected, calling 911 immediately and administering naloxone, if available, is critical.

Archyde News Editor: Considering the evolving nature of the drug supply and the challenges in treating xylazine-related overdoses, what innovative approaches in treatment or harm reduction are showing promise?

Dr. Reed: Research into managing xylazine-induced wounds and exploring additional treatment strategies is ongoing. While naloxone is vital,we must also offer thorough support. Also developing new protocols for wound care, including antibiotic regimens, are essential. Moreover, harm reduction measures, such as safe injection sites and expanded drug testing services to see the presence of xylazine, can play a significant role in mitigating the risks.

archyde News Editor: Dr. reed, the increase in xylazine prevalence underscores the critical need for urgent action. What message would you like to leave with our audience?

Dr. Reed: This is a significant public health crisis. The more we raise awareness around these dangerous drugs, invest in prevention and harm reduction resources. Let’s work together to save lives and protect communities from “zombie drugs.”

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insightful perspective. It’s a very grim situation,and your input is valuable. We wish you the best.