OKLAHOMA CITY (April 2, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging Congress to pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act to protect Oklahomans and reduce overdose deaths. The act would classify xylazine, a dangerous animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids, as a controlled substance.
In a letter sent to House and Senate leadership, Drummond and a coalition of 41 attorneys general outlined the dangers of illicit xylazine and argued that federally classifying the drug as a controlled substance is critical to helping law enforcement stop its spread.
"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, widely known by its street name “tranq,” is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer used for large animals, including horses and deer, and is not approved for any human use. Because it is not an opioid, its effects are not reversed by naloxone, increasing the risk of fatal overdose when combined with substances like fentanyl.
Limited data on xylazine’s production, distribution and related deaths has made it more difficult for law enforcement to track and disrupt its use. Classifying the drug as a controlled substance would allow the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to monitor manufacturing, prevent diversion and mandate public reporting.
Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the legislation with strong bipartisan support.
Joining Drummond in the coalition are the attorneys general of American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
