Nearly 7 Pounds Of 'Tranq' Drug Seized By Customs In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Federal authorities in Philadelphia seized three packages containing an animal tranquilizer that on the streets is combined with fentanyl and other drugs, often with deadly effects.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized three parcels in September of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that authorities report is being cut more frequently with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs to deadly effect. Xylazine does not respond to Narcan.

Officers seized the most recent parcel on Thursday after it arrived in express air delivery from Spain. The parcel, which was destined to an address in Philadelphia, was manifested as
mica powder for makeup."

The parcel contained a white, powdery substance that tested positive for xylazine hydrochloride using a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool. The xylazine weighed nearly two pounds and five ounces. Officers also seized 1.02 kilograms of xylazine on Sept. 16, and 1.075 kilograms on Sept. 5. Both parcels were shipped from Spain to addresses in Philadelphia.

Collectively, the three xylazine shipments weighed about six pounds and 15 ounces.

Used by veterinarians as a sedative for large animals, xylazine is being increasingly found mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin, often with deadly results.

Both the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration have issued warnings about xylazine, also known as "tranq," and xylazine’s growing threat to users and communities across the nation.

In addition to the inherent danger of overdose, this chemical is not a narcotic and does not respond to Narcan, a medication that helps prevent opioid overdose deaths. There is no known antidote.

Another serious concern for authorities is that xylazine is cheap. According to the DEA, A kilogram of xylazine powder can be purchased online from Chinese suppliers with common prices ranging up to $20 per kilogram.