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April 18, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA

Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses

Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.

Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen has submitted a notice of intent to temporarily add xylazine to the list of schedule III drugs under Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. Dr. Bogen will also submit a notice of intent to schedule nitazines, a class of synthetic opioids that have never been approved for use in the United States, as a schedule I drug. The notices will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Office of Attorney General will receive a copy of the notices and has 30 days to comment.

"Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative that should never be ingested by humans and is compounding our fight against the opioid crisis - and today, my Administration is taking action to keep it out of our communities and protect Pennsylvanians. The steps we are taking today will help ensure this dangerous drug can't be diverted from legitimate sources to the drug dealers harming our communities, while preserving its important use on animals," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Xylazine has a real purpose for veterinarians, but is being abused by drug dealers and harming those suffering from substance use disorder. My Administration is committed to helping Pennsylvanians get the treatment they need, and we will work with our partners in law enforcement to get these drugs out of our communities and bring the drug dealers poisoning our communities to justice."

Speakers Include:
Governor Shapiro
DDAP Acting Secretary Dr. Davis-Jones
DOH Exec. Deputy Sec. Kristen Rodack
Sen. Tartaglione
Councilwoman Lozada
Philadelphia Police Department First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford
Commissioner Paris



Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_1.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_2.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_3.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_4.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_5.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_6.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro Directs Administration to Schedule Xylazine as a Controlled Substance, Taking Action Against Dangerous Drug Contributing to Opioid Overdoses<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_7.jpeg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_001.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DDAP Acting Secretary Dr. Davis-Jones speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_002.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_003.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Philadelphia Police Department First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_004.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_005.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PSP Commissioner Paris speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_006.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_007.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Sen. Tartaglione speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_008.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_009.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Councilwoman Lozada speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_010.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_011.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_012.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro greeting  PSP troopers.  Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_013.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro greeting  PSP troopers.  Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_014.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DOH Exec. Deputy Sec. Kristen Rodack speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_015.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_016.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PSP Commissioner Paris speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_017.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_018.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro greeting  Sen. Tartaglione.  Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_019.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> DDAP Acting Secretary Dr. Davis-Jones speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_020.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro greeting  attendees.    Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_021.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Sen. Tartaglione speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_022.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Shapiro speaks with the press.   Governor Josh Shapiro announced his Administration is taking action to limit access to xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," a powerful sedative approved for veterinary use on large animals but one that is increasingly found in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply.  APRIL 18, 2023 - PHILADELPHIA, PA<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22967_gov_xylazine_dz_023.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>