ALEA warns of xylazine increase

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is educating the public about an increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.

Xylazine, also known at “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. Xylazine can be found in liquid and powder forms and can be injected, snorted, smoked or swallowed. It can be mixed with other drugs including cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, according to ALEA.

“One of the most alarming issues with the increased use of xylazine and fentanyl is the fact that xylazine is not an opioid. This means naloxone (Narcan) will not reverse its effects, placing users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said.

Experts still recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug poisoning.

An ALEA statement says, "People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis, which is the rotting of human tissue and could potentially lead to amputation."

Officials with the Lauderdale and Colbert county drug task forces said they have not had local reports of xylazine trafficking but believe it is only a matter of time. They continue monitoring the situation.