CHICAGO — Federal agents in Chicago seized 18 pounds of deadly horse tranquilizer from China that may have been destined for use in street drugs, officials said Wednesday.
Customs and Border Protection agents assigned to the cargo center inspected the shipment on April 12 using handheld isotope analysis tools that can identify materials based on their chemical makeup. The test revealed that the three bags tested positive for Xylazine, a powerful sedative veterinarians use on large animals, including horses, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
After arriving in Chicago, the bags were headed to three residences: one in Cleveland and two in Philadelphia, CBP said in a media statement.
Illicit drug distributors have been mixing Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” into heroin. Unlike fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid that has also been cut into heroin, there is no known antidote to reverse an overdose of Xylazine.
“The work of our officers has been incredible and their dedication to CBP’s enforcement mission is evident when you look at these deadly illicit substance seizures,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operation, Chicago field Office. “Drug traffickers are persistent in their attempts to smuggle sedatives such as xylazine into the United States, however, through our hard work and vigilance we will continue to intercept these dangerous substances at our port of entry before they can harm our communities.”
No arrests were announced in connection with the seizure.
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