GOVERNOR RESTRICTING “TRANQ” ANIMAL SEDATIVE TO CUT DOWN ON ILLEGAL USE

Governor Josh Shapiro is ordering that the drug xylazine be temporarily classified in Pennsylvania as a Schedule Three controlled substance.  The governor said Tuesday that will allow for tighter controls for the substance sometimes called “tranq.”  Its original purpose is as an animal sedative, but it’s also mixed illicitly with fentanyl and heroin to be used as a street drug.  The governor says its use contributed to just over 600 deaths in the state last year.