Oklahoma AG calls on Congress to combat illicit xylazine

Drummond urges federal action as drug linked to overdoses nationwide

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A translucent, ghostly x-ray image showing the internal structure of a syringe filled with a glowing, crystalline substance, representing the dangerous combination of xylazine and opioids in illicit drug supplies.An x-ray image reveals the dangerous chemical composition of illicit drugs laced with the veterinary sedative xylazine, a growing public health crisis.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is calling on Congress to take action against the drug xylazine, which has been linked to a rise in overdose deaths across the country. Xylazine, a veterinary sedative not approved for human use, is increasingly being found in illicit drug supplies, creating dangerous health risks.

Why it matters

Xylazine is an emerging public health crisis, as it is often combined with opioids like fentanyl, making overdoses more likely and harder to reverse. Oklahoma has seen a rise in xylazine-related overdoses, mirroring a national trend, prompting the state's top law enforcement official to seek federal intervention.

The details

Drummond is urging Congress to classify xylazine as a controlled substance, which would give law enforcement more tools to crack down on its distribution. He also wants federal funding for addiction treatment and overdose prevention programs to help combat the issue. Xylazine, sometimes called 'tranq dope,' can cause severe side effects including respiratory depression, sedation, and tissue damage.

  • Xylazine has been increasingly found in illicit drug supplies across the U.S. in recent years.
  • Oklahoma has seen a rise in xylazine-related overdoses, mirroring national trends.

The players

Gentner Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma, who is calling on Congress to take action against the drug xylazine.

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What they’re saying

“Xylazine is a dangerous substance that is contributing to overdose deaths in Oklahoma and across the country. We must act swiftly to get this drug off our streets and provide resources to help those struggling with addiction.”

— Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General

What’s next

Drummond plans to continue advocating for federal legislation and funding to address the xylazine crisis.

The takeaway

The growing prevalence of xylazine in illicit drug supplies is a serious public health threat that requires a coordinated response from state and federal authorities to protect communities and save lives.