Narcotics Detectives Becoming Increasingly Concerned About the Presence of Xylazine in Street Drugs

MNPD narcotics detectives have become increasingly concerned about the presence of Xylazine, a veterinary medication used to sedate large livestock, in street drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Since last November 1st, there have been nine drug overdose deaths in Nashville in which the presence of Xylazine was detected during toxicology testing, almost always with a larger quantity drug like fentanyl. Six of the nine overdose deaths have occurred in the Hermitage/Antioch area.

Testing conducted on a sample of the 120,000 fentanyl pills intercepted last month as they were arriving in Nashville from California shows that they tested positive for acetaminophen (a common binder material for counterfeit pills), fentanyl, and Xylazine. Detectives believe that the Xylazine is being incorporated into fentanyl pills during the illicit manufacturing process outside the United States. As if fentanyl isn’t dangerous enough, Xylazine has its own unique and extreme dangers to humans. It can cause drowsiness, severe breathing difficulty, the development of serious open wounds, blood clots, damage to muscles, nerves and kidneys, and the development of a dual addiction/dependence on both fentanyl and Xylazine.

While the police department works diligently to interdict fentanyl coming into our city, it is important for community members to know that fentanyl and meth being sold on the streets may well contain Xylazine and cause additional serious effects on the body. Xylazine is not an opioid and effects of it cannot be reversed by Narcan.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, please call the Community Overdose Response Team for help. The telephone number is 615-687-1701.

Anyone with information about fentanyl, meth and other drug sales taking place in Nashville is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.