You Could Face Criminal Charges Stemming from “Tranq”

Those who abuse tranq—the powerful animal tranquilizer xylazine—face a high risk of overdose, and those who supply it could face serious legal consequences.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of fatal opioid overdoses linked to tranq rose by 276 percent from January 2019 through June 2022, the largest increase ever recorded.

What is tranq?

Tranq, or xylazine, is a powerful sedative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use as an anesthetic and sedative. Xylazine is often administered to animals, such as horses and other large mammals, to induce relaxation, sedation, and analgesia (pain relief) for various medical procedures, including surgery.

Misusing xylazine, particularly in a non-medical context, can harm health and lead to serious legal consequences. Although xylazine is not approved for human use in many countries (including the U.S.), it has gained notoriety as a recreational drug in some places, especially when combined with opioids like heroin and fentanyl. First noted in a mixture with other drug supplies in Puerto Rico about 20 years ago, tranq has been found in illicit drug supplies in all 50 states in the last several years. In March 2023, the tranquilizer was detected in a batch of illicit fentanyl seized in West Texas.

Is tranq on the DEA’s controlled substances list?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assigns drugs and controlled substances to different schedules, which are categorized according to their potential for abuse and medical use. Schedule I drugs have a heavy risk for addiction and little to no medical use, while Schedule V drugs have little chance of abuse and common medical use. Although a growing number of states—Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey—list xylazine as a controlled substance, it is not on the federal controlled substances list under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.

However, its possession, sale, or distribution can still be subject to legal scrutiny if it is used in an unlawful manner or in conjunction with other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or animal abuse. Because tranq is frequently mixed with the powerful opioid fentanyl—an extremely lethal combination—it can result in criminal drug charges. In April 2023, the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy named xylazine as an “emerging threat” when mixed with fentanyl.

Why is tranq so dangerous when mixed with other drugs?

The DEA has called xylazine “the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced.” Tranq depresses the central nervous system, resulting in drowsiness and amnesia. It can also slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Combining opioids with xylazine and other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol increases the risk of fatal overdose.

Xylazine might complicate overdose response because of its sedative effects, which can cause people to become over-sedated and unresponsive for extended periods. This, in turn, could result in serious injuries such as falls, assaults, hypothermia, or heat-related emergencies if used outside, and damage to muscles, nerves, and kidneys due to restricted blood flow for a lengthy period.

When mixed with fentanyl, tranq can be even deadlier, placing users at a higher risk of death, as xylazine is not an opioid and, therefore, Narcan cannot reverse its effects. Most overdose deaths connected to both xylazine and fentanyl also involve further substances, including cocaine, heroin, depressants, alcohol, anticonvulsants, methadone, and prescription opioids. Xylazine-containing drug combinations are frequently known by street names like “tranq dope,” “sleep-cut,” “Philly dope,” and “zombie drug,” and users often do not know xylazine has been added.

Those who inject mixtures of drugs that include xylazine can also develop serious wounds from the rotting of human tissue (necrosis) that could necessitate amputation. Routine toxicology screens do not detect xylazine, and additional analytical techniques are required to detect the drug in the event of a drug overdose. Repeated exposure to tranq might result in dependence and withdrawal, including symptoms such as agitation or severe anxiety.

Texas laws related to drugs and overdose situations

The state of Texas ties drug conviction penalties to the drug’s schedule. The Texas Controlled Substances Act determines the severity of drug charges according to several variables – the amount of drugs possessed, the type of drug, its schedule classification, and any aggravating circumstances.

Texas, like many other states, has laws related to drug overdose situations. These laws address circumstances where someone knowingly or recklessly provides drugs to another person, and that person subsequently overdoses. The specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s intent.

In Texas, charges related to drug overdose deaths or injuries might include:

• Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (DDRiD). This serious felony offense is usually brought against individuals who provided drugs to another person and that person sustained a fatal overdose.
• Involuntary Manslaughter or Homicide. If an individual provided drugs to another person and the person died as a result of an overdose, they could face manslaughter or homicide charges.
• Controlled Substance Possession or Distribution: Charges related to the possession, sale, or distribution of controlled substances may be brought against someone involved in providing drugs that lead to an overdose.

If you or someone you know is facing legal issues related to a drug overdose situation in Texas, it is essential to consult with a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable about the state’s specific laws and can provide legal advice based on the individual circumstances of the case.

At the Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers, our Killeen criminal defense attorneys know that an arrest for possession of tranq doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guilty and doesn’t automatically lead to a conviction. We understand how the process works, and we will protect your rights every step of the way. If you’re facing drug charges in Texas, call our offices in Killeen or Copperas Cove, or fill out our contact form to set up your initial consultation today. Proudly serving Belton, Harker Heights, Waco, Williamson County, Bell County, Coryell County, and McLennan County.