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.
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.
“ANOA fully supports this legislation to help combat drug abuse in our communities. The Arizona Narcotic Officers Association supports Senator Gallego’s work in identifying xylazine as a threat to public health and giving law enforcement the tools to make communities safe,” said the Arizona Narcotics Officer’s Association.
The bill is endorsed by 39 state attorneys general, including Arizona’s, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:
- Schedule xylazine as Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act;
- Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” – someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
- Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and
- Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.
Senator Ruben Gallego is committed to cracking down on illegal drugs entering Arizona communities. As a Congressman, Senator Gallego also introduced The Buck Stops Here Act to combat fentanyl money laundering. He recently cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which just passed the U.S. House of Representatives.