New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Mar. 31 that she is co-leading a bipartisan group of 40 other attorneys general in urging Congress to pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The proposed federal legislation would classify xylazine, an animal tranquilizer increasingly found mixed with fentanyl and other opioids, as a controlled substance.
The coalition argues that classifying xylazine federally is necessary to help law enforcement respond more effectively to rising opioid overdose deaths linked to the drug. In their letter to House and Senate leaders, the attorneys general highlight concerns about the growing presence of illicit xylazine in communities across the country.
“Xylazine makes deadly opioids like fentanyl even deadlier, and it is rapidly spreading to every state in the country,” said Attorney General James. “We need every tool at our disposal so we can investigate and stop the spread of this dangerous drug to protect our communities. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense and necessary step to help law enforcement get xylazine off our streets.”
Xylazine, known on the street as “tranq,” is approved only for veterinary use on large animals such as horses and deer. It does not respond to naloxone, making overdoses involving it particularly dangerous when combined with opioids like fentanyl. The coalition notes that limited data on its distribution and related deaths hinders efforts by law enforcement agencies.
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would give new authority for tracking production and distribution of xylazine through federal scheduling, enable oversight by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), prevent diversion from legal sources, and require public reporting on its use.
James has previously led efforts against opioid abuse in New York, securing over $3 billion for opioid abatement from pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains involved in opioid distribution or marketing practices. She has also directed investigations into major drug trafficking networks throughout several regions of New York State.
James leads this initiative alongside attorneys general from Arkansas, Connecticut, Tennessee, and others representing states across all regions of the United States as well as American Samoa, Washington D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands.
The New York Attorney General promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. The office also protects residents by ensuring public safety while upholding consumer protections according to its official website. Letitia James heads this agency according to its official website, which operates regional offices statewide addressing local legal issues according to its official website. Services provided include fraud investigations, charities oversight, tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, while functioning as both a public law enforcement body and legal advocate for New Yorkers according to its official website.
