While lawmakers in our state have been occupied with legalizing and regulating marijuana, they have turned a blind eye to a dangerous and lethal drug that is being mixed with poisonous substances on our streets. This deadly drug goes by the name “tranq” and is actually xylazine. Xylazine is typically used by veterinarians to sedate, anesthetize, and treat large animals like horses and cattle. Although it is legal in New York, it is not intended for human consumption due to its extremely hazardous effects. Shockingly, drug dealers have been using xylazine as a cheap additive, combining it with fentanyl and other drugs to amplify the effects and increase their illegal profits.
The consequences are even more alarming. Vulnerable drug users are unknowingly ingesting xylazine, compounding the risks already posed by fentanyl and other dangerous substances. Tranq use can lead to skin sores and even necrosis, making resuscitation efforts more challenging. Additionally, it produces a withdrawal syndrome that complicates recovery for addicts. In New York, xylazine is not classified as a controlled substance, allowing drug dealers to possess and sell it without legal repercussions, regardless of the quantity. As a result, prosecutors cannot request bail for cases involving xylazine, and law enforcement cannot prevent its circulation on the streets. Under state law, selling xylazine is treated no differently than selling baby aspirin. The absence of xylazine as a controlled substance further hinders crime labs from testing seized drugs for its presence. It is only identified through toxicological screenings conducted when a drug user dies. Unsurprisingly, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner has witnessed a surge in fatal overdoses where xylazine was involved over the past three years. This year alone, there have been over 20 fatal overdoses attributed to xylazine in Suffolk County, with the number continuing to rise.
Immediate action from our legislators is imperative. Xylazine must be made illegal, and bail laws need to be reformed to enable prosecutors to request bail for tranq dealers. Furthermore, bail cannot be sought for methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers unless they possess quantities that could kill over 134,000 individuals. With over 400 fatal overdoses occurring in Suffolk County last year alone, translating to more than one death from a drug overdose per day, this situation is absolutely unacceptable. New York must implement sensible changes to its current bail reform laws, criminalize xylazine and other emerging drugs, and establish a “Death by Dealer” statute. The responsibility falls on Governor Hochul and the New York state Legislature to take action or provide an explanation for their refusal to do so. The lives of New Yorkers hang in the balance, and we continue to wait for their response.
Ray Tierney, district attorney of Suffolk County, brings over 30 years of experience as a prosecutor to this pressing issue.
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