WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) cosponsored the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals.
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On the Airwaves
Reporter: “Senator Ruben Gallego is calling to categorize an animal tranquilizer used in fentanyl as a dangerous drug. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act also aims to crack down on the use of the drug also known as ‘tranq’ by giving law enforcement the tools they need to go after the drug while protecting access for veterinarians and farmers. In a statement released today, Senator Gallego said ‘The fentanyl crisis is already devastating families across Arizona and xylazine makes it even deadlier.’ The bill comes after DEA agents seized xylazine-laced fentanyl in 48 out of 50 states.”
In Print
Gila Herald: Arizona senators look toward separate legislation to combat drugs and smuggling
[2/20/25]
Recently, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) cosponsored separate bills aimed at combating illicit drugs and smuggling.
[…] Gallego cosponsored the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. […]
Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals.
This comes after xylazine has been circulating on the streets of Phoenix. The DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 states, including Arizona, and an estimated 23% of fentanyl powder in the US actually contained a mixture of xylazine as well.
“The fentanyl crisis is already devastating families across Arizona, and xylazine makes it even deadlier. This bill is another step in our fight to keep dangerous drugs like tranq out of our communities,” said Senator Gallego.
The bill is endorsed by 39 state attorneys general, including Arizona’s, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.