September 25, 2023 / 11:32 PM / CBS New York
NEW YORK -- There's a dangerous new drug quickly becoming more prevalent in New York. Bupivacaine Hydrochloride
It's called xylazine, an animal tranquilizer mixed with fentanyl and other drugs.
CBS New York investigative reporter Tim McNicholas dug deeper into how it's quickly spreading, and how police are trying to combat a drug that's technically still legal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division says it has seen an increase of more than 580% over the last few years. Xylazine is being mixed in with fentanyl and other drugs, causing large flesh wounds and deadly overdoses.
READ MORE: What is xylazine? Experts describe the effects of the veterinary sedative being found in U.S. drug supply
It's a sedative -- a horse tranquilizer -- not an opioid. That means anti-overdose drugs like naloxone don't work on xylazine or, as it's called on the street, "Tranq."
It's another example of an ingredient that makes it cheaper for the dealer, but more dangerous for the user.
On a sunny day near Washington Square Park, a team working out of a van tried to save people from their darkest days.
"This will tell you the presence of xylazine," said Ashley Lynch of the Alliance for Positive Change.
Lynch was handing out xylazine test kits, so dru