Ohio center tracking drug trafficking warns of deadly mix hitting the streets
The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center issued a warning Thursday for a deadly mix of drugs that has been hitting some streets across the state recently.
ONIC reported that drug testing labs across Ohio recorded an increase in drug samples containing mixtures of "tranq-dope" (opioids and sedatives) and more than double the number of samples containing mixtures of "benzo-dope" (opioids and benzodiazepines) between 2021 and 2023 as compared to the three years prior.
According to officials, common drugs that are often mixed with tranq-dope and benzo-dope are fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone and sedatives such as xylazine and ketamine.
"Part of the reason to issue this bulletin is the fact that naloxone may be less effective for someone experiencing an overdose caused by tranq-dope or benzo-dope," said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC executive director. "Reversing the effects of a drug poisoning in those cases may require multiple doses of naloxone. These are extremely dangerous drug mixtures, and every Ohioan needs to be aware of the danger."
These drug mixtures have been identified in several forms, including counterfeit pills, powder, and rocks,
Anyone who would like to report a drug tip is asked to call 1-833-OHIO-NIC.