Zombie drug spreads from coast-to-coast
“The patterns have been what we see on the East Coast makes it to the West Coast with fentanyl being an example of that,” said William Perno, the Senior Prevention Specialist for SAY San Diego.
The San Diego DEA’s office says it detected xylazine 19 times in drugs seized in 2022 and found it four times in 2021. However, experts believe the actual number of cases may be much higher as xylazine is not typically tested for in emergency departments.
“Tranq” is also very cheap. In most cases, two pounds can be bought for as little as $6. This makes it an attractive option for drug dealers looking to cut their products with cheaper substances.
There is a growing concern that “Tranq” will have a devastating impact on communities across the United States. Public health officials are urging people to be cautious and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.
Dr. Jim Dunford, the Medical Director of the McAlister institute said that overdose reversal drugs like Narcan, don’t work against Xylazine. And that’s because the zombie drug is a sedative.
