ALEA warns people about the dangers of fentanyl in combination with xylazine

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is implementing steps to educate and warn the public about an increase in the use of xylazine mixed with fentanyl.

Xylazine is also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that is a sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been approved for use by veterinarians. Xylazine is available in powder and liquid forms. It can be injected, snorted or chewed or swallowed. It is mixed with other substances like heroin, cocaine and Fentanyl.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “One of the most concerning concerns with the growing use of fentanyl and other xylazine is the reality that xylazine in no way an opioid. Naloxone (Narcan) cannot stop its effects, which puts those who use it at chance of dying from a poisoning from a drug .”

But, experts recommend using naloxone in cases where someone may be suffering from poisoning by drugs. Patients who inject mixtures of drugs that contain xylazine can also develop massive wounds, which can include necrosis which is the decay of human tissue that could possibly lead to the need for amputation.

Based on the CDC and cited in a statement from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the CDC reported that 107,735 Americans passed away between August 2021 and August 2022 due to poisonings with drugs which included 66 % of the deaths being caused by synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl. In the case of Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel in Mexico which use chemicals mostly obtained from China and China, are the primary source for the vast majority the fentanyl sold in communities across all across the United States.

“Not only is this effecting all Americans but it is an issue concerning the health and wellbeing members of law enforcement personnel and first responders. Recently one of our own, ALEA Senior Trooper Charles May was in contact with a person whom he was exposed with xylazine. The victim has been suffering health issues since the incident happened. We believe it is essential to disclose these details with each our members and the public. .”

The incident occurred on Wednesday May 3rd the 3rd, Sr. Trooper May with the the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, was involved in taking a suspect for the Macon County Jail when the subject became sick. Emergency assistance was called on the spot. The victim was given Narcan and was then transported to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika to receive treatment. Following the time Narcan was given by the patient, a.k.a. Sr. Trooper May was also sick and was taken into East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika to receive treatment. He’s since been suffering from health issues.

Anyone who wishes to donate to a GoFundMe account, one was set up by a sr. the family of Trooper May to cover medical-related expenses that arise during this time.

Additional information about the threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine can be found at www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine.

The article ALAS warns people of the dangers of xylazine and fentanyl was first published on The Andalusia Star-News.