The DEA’s newly released 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment reveals a deeply concerning trend: veterinary medications are increasingly being misused in the illicit drug supply.
The animal tranquilizer xylazine—often called “tranq”—continues to be the most common additive found in fentanyl powder. Even more alarming, a newer veterinary sedative, medetomidine, is now appearing in street fentanyl as well.
These substances are not approved for human use and can intensify the already deadly effects of opioids. Xylazine, for instance, does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), making overdoses much harder to reverse. Early reports suggest medetomidine may be even more potent, raising fears of increased unintentional overdoses and drug-related deaths.
This development underscores how unpredictable and dangerous illicit drug use has become. The presence of veterinary sedatives in street drugs highlights the need for continued education, prevention, and community awareness.
Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to:
- Talk openly with youth about the risks of all substance use.
- Emphasize that no street drug is ever safe—its contents are unknown and often deadly.
- Keep learning and sharing accurate information from trusted sources. Keeping medications secure helps prevent misuse, accidental poisonings, and diversion into the illicit market
Together, we can protect our community by staying informed and prioritizing prevention.
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