New Law Targets Street Drug Called ‘Tranq’

The Indiana Department of Health reports that 322 Hoosiers have died with the drug in their system.

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INDIANAPOLIS – A new Indiana law will criminalize unauthorized possession and dealing in xylazine.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer commonly used for veterinary surgeries that is being mixed with illegal drugs.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there was a 516 percent increase in xylazine-positive overdoses deaths in the Midwest from 2020 to 2021.

The Indiana Department of Health reports that 322 Hoosiers have died with the drug in their system.

To combat the growing issue, Governor Eric Holcomb recently signed House Enrolled Act 1203. Under the legislation, an individual who possesses xylazine without a prescription could face a Class A misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction.

A person could face up to a Level 4 felony for dealing in xylazine.

The tranquilizer can still be utilized for veterinary purposes and used by certain approved persons like pharmacists and veterinarians.

State Representative Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) says, “our hope is to reduce the presence of this drug on our streets and reduce overdose deaths, and I’m encouraged by the governor signing this critical legislation into law. “