Deadly Drug Additive 'Rhino Tranq' Found in Las Vegas

Health officials warn of medetomidine, a veterinary sedative more potent than fentanyl, detected in local drug samples.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Las Vegas health officials have issued a warning about the detection of medetomidine, an extremely potent veterinary sedative also known as 'rhino tranq', in local drug samples. The substance is believed to be even more dangerous than fentanyl and can cause severe health effects including profound sedation, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and potential fatality, even in small doses. While the drug has not yet been linked to any overdose deaths in Las Vegas, officials are urging residents and healthcare providers to be aware of the risks and access overdose prevention resources.

Why it matters

The emergence of medetomidine, a drug not approved for human use, in the local illicit drug supply poses a serious public health threat. Unlike fentanyl, which suppresses breathing, medetomidine suppresses the heart, creating an even more dangerous combination of effects. This highlights the ongoing challenges in combating the opioid crisis and the need for continued vigilance and access to harm reduction resources in the community.

The details

Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative used to sedate large animals like rhinos and elephants, has been detected in five drug samples tested by the Southern Nevada Health District since last July. While this represents only 1% of the samples analyzed, officials say the warning is necessary due to the extreme potency of the substance, which can be fatal in even small doses. Medetomidine is believed to be 100-200 times more potent than xylazine, another tranquilizer known as 'tranq', and unlike fentanyl, the effects of medetomidine cannot be reversed with naloxone.

  • Since last September 2024, the Southern Nevada Health District has been routinely testing drug samples as part of its surveillance program.
  • In the last seven months, medetomidine has been detected in five drug samples tested by the health district.

The players

Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)

The public health agency for Clark County, Nevada, which includes the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The SNHD has been monitoring the local drug supply and issuing warnings about emerging threats.

Cassius Lockett

A spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Health District who issued the warning about the detection of medetomidine in local drug samples.

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What they’re saying

“This potent veterinary sedative — often mixed with opioids like fentanyl — can cause profound sedation and unpredictable effects, increasing the risk of severe harm or death. We are urging residents and health care providers to stay informed, access community overdose prevention resources, and seek help immediately if they suspect exposure.”

— Cassius Lockett, SNHD Spokesperson (casino.org)

What’s next

The Southern Nevada Health District is continuing to monitor the local drug supply and will provide updates if medetomidine or other emerging threats are detected. Officials are urging residents to be aware of the risks and to access community overdose prevention resources.

The takeaway

The discovery of medetomidine, a veterinary sedative more potent than fentanyl, in the Las Vegas drug supply underscores the ongoing challenges in combating the opioid crisis. This highlights the need for continued vigilance, access to harm reduction resources, and collaboration between public health agencies and the community to address this evolving public health threat.