MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is taking urgent steps to alert and educate the public about a concerning rise in the trafficking of fentanyl combined with xylazine, a potent veterinary sedative.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor has now expressed deep concern over the increased use of this dangerous drug combination throughout the state.
In a recent press release, Taylor highlighted that xylazine is not an opioid, rendering naloxone ineffective in reversing its effects and putting users at a higher risk of fatal drug poisoning.
Despite the limited effectiveness of naloxone, medical experts still recommend administering it to anyone suspected of experiencing drug poisoning.
Those injecting mixtures containing xylazine are also at risk of severe wounds, including necrosis, which could lead to amputation.
The severity of the drug issue in our country becomes evident in the alarming statistics released by the CDC and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
107,735 Americans succumbed to drug poisonings between August 2021 and August 2022, according to the CDC’s report, with 66 percent of these deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The trafficking of fentanyl is largely attributed to the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel in Mexico, sourcing chemicals mainly from China.
Recently, one of ALEA’s senior troopers, Charles May, fell ill after encountering an individual exposed to fentanyl mixed with xylazine while on duty. Trooper May has experienced health-related issues since the incident which has heightened concerns for law enforcement and First Responders’ well-being.
To support Trooper May’s medical expenses during this challenging time, his loved ones have set up a GoFundMe account.
For more information on the widespread threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine, visit here.
