Drug’s unique feature raises concerns in SW Minnesota

Meth might still be king when it comes to illicit drugs in southwest Minnesota, but it now has some stiff competition.

The drug Xylazine was first produced in 1960, so it’s been around for a while. However,  it’s just recently gained traction in this part of the state. And that’s not even the scary part.

Xylazine — commonly known as “tranq” — is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer. Even though it has never been approved for human use, it’s been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide, adding to the expanding addiction and overdose crisis.

See more in this week’s paper!