Yuma — The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has released the following information to alert the public.

Criminal drug networks are cutting fentanyl with new substances *𝗫𝘆𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗲.

Multiple State Departments have reported xylazine in opioid-related overdoses. These drug lords now run this product through communities in the United States under the common street names “Tranq Dope” and “Zombie Drug.”

Xylazine is a tranquilizer commonly used by horse and cattle veterinarians as an animal sedative. The substance is unsafe for human use and causes fatal symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, skin rot, and most importantly, overdose of these naloxone (narcan) ) cannot be undone.

YCSO says how important it is for parents to talk to their children about the facts and dangers of drugs. Practice with them on how to turn down or avoid drugs when faced with pressure to try them.