UTAH

Xylazine is in Utah, and is a significant threat says the DEA

Mar 31, 2023, 4:54 PM | Updated: Jun 16, 2023, 9:07 am

Xylazine, a new substance linked to several deadly overdoses around the country, is appearing in Ut...

A new substance linked to several deadly overdoses around the country is now appearing in Utah, and the DEA says it’s a serious danger. (Photo credit: CNN)

(Photo credit: CNN)

SALT LAKE CITY — Xylazine, a new substance linked to several deadly overdoses around the country, is appearing in Utah. And according to the Drug Enforcement Administration it’s a serious danger.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer, its street name is known by the name ‘tranq.’ It’s cheap and easy to access for the Mexican drug cartels that use it.

It largely comes from places like China and India for anywhere between $5 and $20 per kilogram.

“If you were to go onto the internet and do a search for xylazine for sale,” Assistant DEA Special Agent in Charge for Utah, Dustin Gillespie, told KSL NewsRadio. “You’re going to be presented with a bunch of online websites that will sell Xylazine in powder form, liquid form, crystalline form, directly to you.”

When cut with fentanyl it gives users a similar, but longer high than they get from fentanyl alone.

Anne Milgram, Administrator of the U.S. DEA said this xylazine/fentanyl combination is ” the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced.”

Specifically, Gillespie said one thing that makes it so dangerous is that it doesn’t react to the antidote naloxone and it doesn’t show up on Fentanyl testing strips.

In the 2023 Utah legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips for the public.

Consequently, this could lessen the number of fentanyl overdoses in Utah. Xylazine does not show up on those testing strips.

“Xylazine is a completely different substance, with similar effects but it’s a non-opioid sedative, so it won’t show up on those tests,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie said they’re seeing overdoses across all walks of life.

“It has no boundaries, and so it may be a teenager in a high school (or younger). Or it might be an elderly patient … an unhappy housewife. It affects everybody.”

Right now, the DEA is only seeing small numbers of fentanyl pills containing xylazine in Utah, but Agent Gillespie said it’s following the same trend fentanyl did before it became an epidemic.

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

Two 16-year-olds were riding on the hood of a vehicle in the Terra Academy Charter School parking...

CARLYSLE PRICE KSLTV.com

16-year-old injured after riding hood of a vehicle at Terra Academy

Vernal police reported two teens were riding on the hood of a vehicle at Terra Academy Charter School on Monday. Both of them slipped off.

2 hours ago

(Canva)...

Mariah Maynes

Utah’s opioid lawsuit settlement against Kroger completed

Money from this opioid lawsuit will go to counties across Utah to help prevent opioid use.

4 hours ago

State leaders say the Utah election security system is strong....

Eric Cabrera and Verl Johansen

Ballot boxes overflow in Salt Lake County

When some Salt Lake County voters went to drop off their ballot Monday morning the box was already overflowing.

5 hours ago

a woman casts her vote...

Adam Small

Need a ride to the polls on Election Day? Here are some resources in Utah

Utah voters who need a ride to the polls on Tuesday may be able to turn to their political parties for help.

7 hours ago

a skier at brighton resort...

Mariah Maynes

Brighton Resort asks people to stay off terrain during ski season preparation

In a post on Facebook, Brighton Resort asked people to stay off its terrain so employees can prepare terrain for the upcoming ski season.

9 hours ago

Flash flooding earlier this week devastated parts of Spain. A Park City teenager has started a fund...

Brianna Chavez, KSLTV.com

Park City teen raising funds for people devasted by flash floods in Spain

After becoming close friends with an exchange student from Spain, a Park City teen is raising funds for those affected by flash flooding.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

Xylazine is in Utah, and is a significant threat says the DEA