District Attorney Jack Thorp is sounding the alarm over the increasing presence of a dangerous and potentially deadly drug combination – fentanyl mixed with xylazine – that is spreading across the nation, including Oklahoma.

Xylazine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer, has made its way into the illicit drug market, often mixed with fentanyl, heightening the already catastrophic risks of overdose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers of xylazine, highlighting its potential to cause severe reactions in humans, including necrotic skin ulcerations and the inability to reverse its effects with naloxone (Narcan), the drug commonly used to save lives in fentanyl overdoses.

“This is not just another danger — this is a deadly mix that dramatically increases the chances of fatal overdose,” Thorp said. “Fentanyl alone is a deadly drug, but when mixed with xylazine, it becomes even more unpredictable and lethal.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a Public Safety Alert in 2023 about the growing threat of xylazine in fentanyl products.

The agency has reported that xylazine has been found in 49 of the 50 states as of October 2024, with a staggering increase in its presence in fentanyl samples over the past few years. Since 2020, there has been a five-fold rise in xylazine found in fentanyl tablets, and a three-fold increase in fentanyl powder.

While fentanyl alone is responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths nationwide, xylazine introduces new and unpredictable risks. As a substance that cannot be detected through standard toxicology screenings, users are often unaware of the additional danger they face when purchasing illicit drugs. The DEA warns that xylazine is also being mixed with other illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, further compounding the threat.

“This poison is in our communities, and the consequences of using illicit drugs have never been more dangerous,” Thorp added. “People need to understand that what they’re getting from illegal sources is not only dangerous but increasingly lifethreatening.”

The District Attorney emphasized the importance of continued law enforcement efforts to combat the spread of these harmful substances and hold those responsible for their distribution accountable. The DEA has noted that most of the xylazine found in fentanyl is being smuggled into the U.S. in powdered form, further complicating efforts to stem the flow of these deadly drugs.

“Together, we’ll keep fighting to protect our communities,” Thorp said. “We won’t stop until we can ensure that those responsible for poisoning our residents face justice.”

As the DEA tracks the increasing presence of xylazine across the country, experts urge caution and public awareness.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of this lethal combination is to steer clear of all illicit drugs, which are often tainted with unknown and highly dangerous substances.