Xylazine Information

Xylazine

Currently, state and local laboratories are only required to report seizure data for substances that are controlled under the CSA. Thus, our ability to monitor xylazine’s presence in all seized material and its prevalence in illicit drug trafficking is hampered. If xylazine became a federally scheduled substance however, it would result in more consistent reporting across entities and a fuller picture of xylazine’s presence in all drug exhibits.

Facts about Xylazine

Xylazine is a substance that is in approved drugs used in veterinary medicine as a sedative with analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. (Source: DEA Diversion – Xylazine) Xylazine is added to drug evidence, primarily fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, to extend the high. Xylazine is also added to serve as a filler and because it is easy to obtain since it is a non-controlled substance under federal laws.

Xylazine Presence Increasing

As of October 30, 2024, reporting of xylazine in DEA analyzed evidence has been seen in 49 of 50 states (Wyoming is the only state remaining to not have a DEA reported encounter since 2020).

Xylazine’s presence in evidence analyzed by DEA’s Laboratory System is increasing as well. Since 2020, DEA’s laboratory system analysis shows a 5-fold increase in the presence of xylazine in fentanyl tablet samples; and a 3-fold increase of xylazine in fentanyl powder samples.

Xylazine Sourcing

Joint Intelligence National Threat Response – El Paso Illicit Drug (INTREPID) Lab found markers that link xylazine to repurposed veterinary preparations. The Joint INTREPID Lab’s mission combines DEA, CBP, & FDA scientists to work collaboratively to provide actionable intelligence, scientific support, and research to law enforcement.

Of the various xylazine + fentanyl samples tested, approximately 15% contained markers that link xylazine to repurposed veterinary preparations.

Result: Majority of xylazine mixed in with fentanyl samples is from powdered sources and smuggled into the U.S.

Tools Needed to Address the Xylazine Threat

Given that xylazine is an unscheduled drug, DEA lacks the ability to monitor its import/export activities. Additionally, DEA is unable to track the legitimate movement of xylazine within the closed distribution system. As a result, DEA is hindered in its ability to accurately determine the actual extent of xylazine diversion.

Legislative control is needed to track the import of xylazine into the country and provide a full understanding of the amount being diverted from legitimate channels, without negatively impacting ranchers and other legitimate end users.

Please contact us at Congressional.Inquiries@dea.gov if you would like additional information or a briefing related to xylazine.