Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced on March 25 that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has placed a nationwide ban on bromazolam, also known as “Designer Xanax.” The synthetic drug was linked to at least 15 deaths in Oklahoma last year.
The DEA’s decision to classify bromazolam as a Schedule I controlled substance allows law enforcement across the country to target its distribution and raises awareness about its risks. Last year, Drummond and a group of 20 state attorneys general asked the DEA to take emergency action under the Controlled Substances Act.
“This is a major step forward in protecting Oklahoma families from a dangerous and unpredictable drug,” Drummond said. “This decisive action by the Trump Administration gives law enforcement the authority needed to hold traffickers accountable and get this deadly substance off our streets.”
Bromazolam poses significant challenges for public health officials because of its potency and resistance to common overdose treatments such as naloxone, also known as Narcan. This increases the risk of fatal overdoses.
Drummond leads efforts at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office focused on combating crime, ensuring government transparency, strengthening tribal relations, and upholding the rule of law according to his official biography. He brings extensive legal experience to his role heading the office according to his official biography.
The office also advocates for policies supporting sectors like energy, educational safeguards, and tougher laws on crimes such as rape and drug distribution according to his official biography. Collaboration with state and federal partners is central in addressing organized crime according to his official biography, while maintaining operations within public legal services based in Oklahoma according to his official biography.
