
Xylazine, commonly known as “Tranq,” is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the illegal drug supply, particularly in opioids like fentanyl and in cocaine. Its emergence is alarming health professionals and outreach workers due to its dangerous effects and the difficulty in treating overdoses.
The Growing Emergence of Tranq
Tranq first surged in areas of Puerto Rico and then in Philadelphia, where it was found in a staggering 91% of opioid samples in a recent period. In Massachusetts, data from January to mid-June shows that xylazine was present in 28% of drug samples tested. This infiltration into the drug supply is causing concern because xylazine is not approved for human use and is associated with a number of health risks.








