Traces of a deadly new drug called “tranq” has been found in the bodies of overdose victims in San Francisco, authorities say.
Tranq, or xylazine, is an animal tranquilizer that authorities believe is added to illicit street opioids to heighten and prolong effects, particularly for fentanyl, which is known for short, but intense, highs.
The substance has been found in the drug supplies in eastern regions of the U.S. for years, but this is the first time it has been identified in overdose deaths in San Francisco, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Trace amounts of tranq were found in four out of 145 victims that were tested between Dec. 1, 2022, and Jan. 15 this year—and all involved fentanyl, according to the city’s public health department’s alert released Feb. 16….