Attorney General Ashley Moody of Florida has called upon congressional leaders to take immediate action to address the alarming surge in overdose deaths related to the illicit use of xylazine. With the introduction of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (H.R.1839/S.993), Moody emphasizes the critical need for federal measures to curb the trafficking and misuse of this dangerous drug. The illicit combination of xylazine, a veterinary medication, with potent opioids such as fentanyl has led to a devastating public health crisis, prompting urgent intervention.
Xylazine, an FDA-approved veterinary medicine used for sedating and relieving pain in large animals, has infiltrated the illicit substances market, creating a new wave of lethal dangers. The drug’s depressant effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, including lowered blood pressure and decreased breathing and heart rate, can lead to unconsciousness, tissue necrosis, and even death in humans. The absence of opioid properties in xylazine renders traditional overdose-reversal medications, like naloxone, ineffective in combating its harmful effects.
Attorney General Ashley Moody has been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the grave risks associated with xylazine. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Moody has urged all members of Congress to support the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This proposed legislation seeks to schedule xylazine as a controlled substance, empowering the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to closely monitor its manufacturing, distribution, and sales to prevent diversion.
By bringing xylazine under federal regulation, the bill aims to address the significant increase in overdose deaths linked to the drug’s use. According to the DEA, xylazine-related overdose deaths have skyrocketed across the United States in recent years, with staggering increases ranging from 103% to 1,127% in different regions.
Attorney General Moody’s call to action has garnered support from attorneys general representing numerous states and territories. This coalition highlights the gravity of the situation and the pressing need for a united front against the illicit xylazine trade. Conclusion:
The illicit use and trafficking of xylazine have plunged the nation into an unprecedented public health crisis. Congress must heed the plea of Attorney General Moody and work swiftly to pass this legislation, signaling a united front in the battle against the illicit xylazine trade. By doing so, lives can be saved, and the devastating impact of this dangerous drug can be curtailed, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
