(The Center Square)
Mexican cartels are using the animal tranquilizer xylazine as a cutting agent for fentanyl, according to a report obtained exclusively by The Center Square.
On March 3, 2023, the Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center declassified a situational awareness bulletin prepared by the Southern Tactical Intelligence Unit, in conjunction with the Strategic Analysis Unit joint, to inform national and local law enforcement of an emerging trend: Mexican cartels. mix fentanyl with xylazine.
The ACTIC report states: “On February 27, 2023, STIU received information regarding cartels using xylazine as a cutting agent for fentanyl products.
“Unlike fentanyl, xylazine is not an opioid and does not respond to the use of naloxone (Narcan). Although it may seem ineffective in someone who has both fentanyl and xylazine in their system, law enforcement, or emergency personnel should use Narcan,” the bulletin states. Because Narcan only counteracts the effects of the opioid in a mixture, those poisoned by it “may require additional measures to survive,” the bulletin said.
Although there is little peer-reviewed data on past law enforcement or emergency medical personnel who have been exposed to xylazine, the bulletin warns first responders to “take every precaution when dealing with with illicit substances or overdose victims and to use personal protective equipment to minimize exposure”.
Xylazine is a pharmaceutical drug used for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation in horses, cattle and other non-human mammals. It is not a controlled substance and can only be purchased with a veterinary prescription. When purchased online in liquid or powder form, it is “often without association with the veterinary profession or a requirement to demonstrate a legitimate need,” the bulletin notes, citing a report from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
Related: As Arizona seeks to fund border security, cartels move smuggling efforts west
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In December, the Arizona Poison System published a warning to all health care providers in Arizona “about the risks of xylazine contamination from illicit drugs, including fentanyl”.
“Xylazine is a very potent veterinary tranquilizer that has been increasingly identified as an adulterer in illicit drugs and at autopsies in drug-related deaths throughout Arizona,” said Dr. Daniel Brooks, medical director of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. A declaration. “We are working with public health and safety agencies to warn Arizona health care providers and medical examiners about this dangerous drug.”
Pharmacist Steve Dudley, CEO of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, said: “Xylazine is not routinely tested in most healthcare settings and may even be missed during an autopsy unless specific tests are ordered.”
Those who test and detect xylazine are asked to report their results to the Opioid Helpline and Referral Line at 888-688-4222 and the Arizona Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222.
Syndicated with permission from The central square.
