CBP Agents Intercept 'Toxic' Narcan-Resistant Drug Xylazine

Border Patrol agents in Philadelphia have announced the interception of a deadly drug that is Narcan-resistant.

There is no known antidote for xylazine, a large animal tranquilizer that authorities say is mixed with opioids such as fentanyl and heroin. Narcan, the drug that prevents opioid overdose deaths, cannot protect anyone from an Xlyazine overdose.

The latest package seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials arrived in the state via express air freight from Spain on Thursday and was labeled “mica powder for makeup.”

After testing, it turned out to be a package containing about 1kg of xylazine hydrochloride, also known as “Tranq”.

An additional kilo of the drug was seized by Border Patrol agents on both days, September 16 and 5, with both packages also arriving from Spain and en route to addresses in Philadelphia.

An investigation into the drug seizures is still ongoing.

Adam Streetman, director of CBP's Philadelphia Area Port, said: “Customs and Border Protection officers understand the challenges our country faces in protecting our citizens from the deadly threats posed by dangerous drugs transported transnationally criminal organizations, including dangerous synthetic substances such as xylazine as well as fentanyl and fentanyl precursors.”

He added that CBP “remains committed to intercepting this poison at our nation's borders and ports of entry and will continue to work with our local, federal and international partners to hold these organizations accountable.”

Every day, CBP officers and agents seize an average of 2,339 pounds of drugs, including 78 pounds of fentanyl, at America's ports of entry by air, sea and land.

Xylazine is a cheap drug and can be purchased online, adding to authorities' concerns since common prices on Chinese suppliers' websites range from $6 to $20 per kilogram, according to the DEA.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have both previously issued warnings about the drug as the threat to users and communities across the country grows.

An FDA warning from November last year explained that the drug packages were often packaged to look like approved drugs or were declared to CBP as something other than xylazine.

The FDA also stated that not only is there an increased risk of overdose since those taking the substance may not even realize that xylazine is in their supply, but there is also chronic sores such as lesions and ulcers after injection which can result in infection and cause the skin in the area to die and rot.

This condition often requires amputation or surgery to remove the rotting tissue.

Other side effects of taking the drug include blurred vision, coma, constricted pupils, disorientation, drowsiness, high blood sugar, low blood pressure and heart rate, shallow breathing and staggering, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

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