States Restrict ‘Tranq’, Animal Sedative

April 19, 2023 4:07 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — States are increasingly looking to make a powerful veterinary tranquilizer a controlled substance now that it’s been showing up in illicit drugs used by humans and contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that he’s adding xylazine to Pennsylvania’s controlled substances list. In late March, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took similar action while West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed legislation restricting xylazine. Last week, the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy named xylazine as an “emerging threat” when it’s mixed with the powerful opioid fentanyl. Officials want to know how much is diverted from veterinary uses and how much is made illicitly.