Attorney General Gentner Drummond called on Congress on April 2 to pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would designate xylazine as a controlled substance in an effort to protect Oklahomans and reduce overdose deaths.
The proposed legislation seeks to give law enforcement more authority over xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids. Advocates say this step is necessary because current gaps in regulation make it difficult for authorities to monitor and prevent misuse of the drug.
In a letter sent to House and Senate leaders, Drummond joined 41 other attorneys general urging federal action. “Xylazine is a dangerous and growing threat that is taking more lives every day,” Drummond said. “Congress must act now to give law enforcement the tools needed to combat this deadly drug and protect our citizens from harm.”
Xylazine, known by its street name “tranq,” is used by veterinarians for large animals but has not been approved for human use. Because it is not an opioid, its effects cannot be reversed by naloxone, raising the risk of fatal overdoses when combined with substances like fentanyl. Limited data on how xylazine is produced or distributed has made tracking related deaths challenging for authorities.
If classified as a controlled substance, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration would be able to monitor manufacturing processes, prevent diversion into illegal channels, and require public reporting about its use. The Senate Judiciary Committee recently advanced the bill with bipartisan support.
Drummond leads the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office in efforts focused on combating crime, government transparency, tribal relations, and upholding legal standards according to his official biography. He brings extensive legal experience in heading the office according to his official biography, which also advocates for policies supporting sectors such as energy and education while pushing for tougher laws against crimes including rape and drug distribution according to his official biography.
The Oklahoma Attorney General works with state and federal partners against organized crime according to his official biography while operating within public legal services based in Oklahoma according to his official biography.
Broader adoption of measures like those proposed could influence national strategies addressing emerging synthetic drugs.
