18 Pounds Of Horse Tranquilizer Seized By Border Authorities In Chicago

CHICAGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 18 pounds of horse tranquilizer over the weekend in Chicago, according to authorities.

Officers assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team seized three shipments on April 12 containing the deadly sedative Xylazine at an air cargo facility, authorities said. The shipments arrived from China and were bound for three homes — one in Cleveland and two in Philadelphia, according to authorities.

Xylazine is used by veterinarians as a sedative for large animals, but is increasingly found mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin, authorities said, adding the substance is not an opioid and does not respond to Narcan, and there is no known antidote for an overdose.