"Deadly 'Tranq' Cocktail Claims First Victim in Whatcom County and Beyond"

The Whatcom County Health Department confirmed the first death attributed to the animal tranquilizer xylazine, also known as "tranq," in the county. Xylazine, often mixed with fentanyl, has been increasingly detected in illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) drug products and overdose deaths. It is not an opioid, so opioid overdose counteragents like Narcan are ineffective in reversing its effects. The department urges the public to be aware of the dangers of xylazine, provide naloxone if an overdose is suspected, and call 911, as naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine.