The Biden administration is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the national crisis of illicit fentanyl mixed with the powerful animal sedative xylazine. Considered an emerging threat, this dangerous combination has the potential to exacerbate the ongoing opioid epidemic. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has unveiled a national response plan to coordinate federal agencies in combating this issue. In this battle, a key role is played by a legislation introduced by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.
Combating the Xylazine Threat
Xylazine, commonly known as “tranq,” was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use in the 1970s. However, it has never been authorized for human consumption. Mixing xylazine with fentanyl has resulted in a surge of drug-related fatalities across the country, particularly in the Northeast and South. The cocktail’s potency slows breathing and can lead to painful and disfiguring wounds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public alert in December 2022, highlighting the widespread presence of xylazine in illicit fentanyl products.
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
In March, Senator Cortez Masto introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, aiming to classify the illicit use of the drug under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The legislation intends to curb xylazine abuse while preserving its legitimate veterinary applications. The bill has garnered endorsements from attorneys general in 39 states, as well as support from the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.
The White House Response Plan
The ONDCP’s national response plan outlines short- and long-term measures to mitigate the threat of xylazine-laced fentanyl. The plan encompasses testing, data collection, evidence-based prevention and treatment, supply reduction, scheduling, and research. Various federal departments and agencies are directed to develop implementation reports within 60 days, with the aim of reducing xylazine-related drug poisoning deaths by 15% in at least three of the four U.S. census regions by 2025.
The Availability and Profit Motive
Xylazine is easily accessible through pharmaceutical distributors and online platforms catering to veterinarians and animal handlers. However, the DEA report from October 2022 reveals that it can also be obtained from websites unrelated to veterinary needs, often in liquid or powder form. The low cost of xylazine, with prices as low as $6 per kilogram from Chinese suppliers, incentivizes its use as an adulterant to enhance profit margins for illicit drug traffickers.
Local Impact and Challenges
In Clark County, Nevada, Metro Police have encountered xylazine on multiple occasions. While xylazine has been found in three overdose investigations, it remains uncertain whether it directly contributed to those deaths. A unique challenge with xylazine is that, unlike opioids, its sedative effects cannot be reversed with naloxone (Narcan). Senator Cortez Masto’s legislation seeks to empower law enforcement to curb the influx of xylazine into communities while ensuring its proper use in veterinary medicine.
Advancing the Fight Against Xylazine
Senator Cortez Masto remains optimistic about the impact of her legislation within the larger context of combating the xylazine threat. The White House’s commitment to tackling this issue aligns with her efforts to limit traffickers and transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding the legitimate use of xylazine. She pledges to work with the administration and fellow lawmakers to pass her legislation and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to save lives.
