Weld County Drug Task Force reports finding ‘tranq’ in counterfeit fentanyl pills
DENVER (KDVR) — A non-opioid sedative used by veterinarians has been found in Greeley, inside counterfeit blue M30 pills that also contain fentanyl, according to the Weld County Drug Task Force.
Over the last couple of months, agents have identified xylazine, a drug that causes pain relief and muscle relaxant effects, in counterfeit fentanyl pills, the task force said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, xylazine, also called “tranq,” is not approved for human consumption and can be life-threatening.
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According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, people who inject drugs with xylazine can develop severe wounds, including necrosis that may lead to amputation.
The drug is especially dangerous when combined with an opioid like fentanyl, the CDC reported. The CDC also reported that the presence of xylazine in lab-tested drugs increased everywhere in the U.S. from 2020-2021. One study from 10 US cities showed xylazine was involved in less than 1% of drug overdose deaths in 2015 and nearly 7% in 2020, the CDC reports.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, overdoses involving xylazine increased from 2% to 26% from 2015-2020. The DEA reported that between 2020 and 2021, forensic lab identification of xylazine-involved overdose deaths increased the most in the South (193%) and the West (112%).
“Some individuals may knowingly consume xylazine, while others may not be aware that it is present in the substances they use,” CDPHE reported. “The effects of fentanyl wear off faster than other opioids (around 2 hours), so xylazine is sometimes added to extend the effects of fentanyl and stave off withdrawal.”
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The CDC and the DEA have recommended bystanders administer naloxone, brand name Narcan, to anyone undergoing an overdose. However, naloxone will not reverse the effects of a xylazine overdose. Because xylazine is frequently mixed with opioids, such as fentanyl, administering naloxone could alleviate the symptoms of the opioid overdose.
If someone is displaying signs of overdosing, emergency medical services should be sought immediately, the drug task force warned.
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According to CDPHE, four drug overdoses have been recorded in Colorado involving xylazine since early 2022.
The Weld County Drug Task Force reported that in 2023, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy released a national response plan to address the emerging threat of fentanyl combined with xylazine.
Anyone with information regarding the distribution of any illegal narcotics in Weld County or Greeley and have not been interviewed by officers is asked to contact Commander Scott Smith at 970-351-5211.
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