On April 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team confiscated three shipments containing the lethal drug Xylazine at an air cargo facility in Chicago.
All of the packages were coming from China and were going to three distinct addresses: one in Cleveland, Ohio, and two in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The three parcels were investigated because they contained unknown materials that needed additional testing. Officers employed a small elemental isotype analysis equipment to detect the powder. The instrument positively identified the substance as Xylazine.
Veterinarians use xylazine as a sedative for large animals, but it is increasingly being compounded with opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, frequently with fatal consequences. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have issued warnings concerning xylazine, also called “tranq.” In addition to the risk of overdose, this chemical is not an opioid and will not respond to Narcan. There is no known antidote for overdose.
“The work of our officers has been incredible and their dedication to CBP’s enforcement mission is evident when you look at these deadly illicit substance seizures,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operation, Chicago field Office.
“Drug traffickers are persistent in their attempts to smuggle sedatives such as xylazine into the United States, however, through our hard work and vigilance we will continue to intercept these dangerous substances at our port of entry before they can harm our communities,” he added.
