By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — There has been one overdose death in Kosciusko County this year due to xylazine, according to Kosciusko County Coroner Tyler Huffer.

Huffer explained that xylazine is an emerging drug on the market in Indiana and all over the nation. This drug is one used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and is not safe for human consumption.

Tyler Huffer

“The state added xylazine to the postmortem toxicology testing at the beginning of the year, and we have already seen one case in our county,” stated Huffer.

This drug is 10 times deadlier with fentanyl and is being laced with other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone, said Huffer. Many do not realize that xylazine is being laced with these other drugs.

This year, there have been 11 overdose deaths in the county, most being from fentanyl consumption, followed by methamphetamine, and the one known case of xylazine.

“This is becoming an epidemic in the United States,” Huffer said. “The community needs to be aware of this new drug as it is in the county.”

Fentanyl and xylazine has also been known to be laced with other drugs, including heroin, meth, cocaine, Xanax, Adderall and more.

When asked if there was anything he wanted to share with people, Huffer said, “Be vigilant Kosciusko, this is in our backyard, this is affecting our friends, family and neighbors.”