Once rampant in Philly’s drug supply, xylazine is now on the decline after a statewide crackdown, experts tell Axios.
Why it matters: The drug, known on the streets as “tranq,” is being replaced by a new powerful sedative: medetomidine.
The big picture: Pennsylvania added xylazine, an animal sedative that’s often mixed with fentanyl, to its list of controlled substances in 2023.
- Last year, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill that made the ban permanent. It criminalizes misuse of the drug and requires authorized users to ensure it’s properly safeguarded.
- But the crackdown has given rise to a new batch of cutting agents, like medetomidine .
Threat level: Xylazine can cause nasty wounds and sores and is linked to fatal overdoses, but some experts worry medetomidine is as bad, if not worse…