Newsom moves to crack down on dealers of street drug ‘tranq’

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) announced new measures created to take action against dealers of the street drug “tranq” on Tuesday.

“As part of the state’s multi-pronged plan to address the opioid and overdose epidemic, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced proposed new legislation to increase penalties for the illicit trafficking of the drug xylazine, also known as ‘tranq,’” a press release from Newsom’s office read.

“Xylazine – an animal tranquilizer with no approved human use – is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply, and has been linked to rising overdose deaths across the country,” the release continued.

The release also stated that Newsom’s proposed legislation would make the drug a controlled substance, besides “legitimate veterinary use.” 

“Tranq poses a unique and devastating challenge in our fight against the overdose epidemic,” Newsom said in the release. “Although California is not yet seeing tranq at the same rates as other parts of the country, this legislation will help the state stay ahead and curb dealers and traffickers, while we work to provide treatment and resources for those struggling with addiction and substance abuse.”

Newsom’s office cited a report from the Drug Enforcement Administration which noted drastic rises in deaths related to the drug in regions across the country. In the South, the percentage of overdose deaths related to the drug rose by over 1,000 percent between 2020 and 2021, according to the report.