FDA acts to restrict illicit import of xylazine, animal tranquilizer linked to overdose deaths

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that it was taking action to restrict unlawful importing of the veterinary drug xylazine, which has been "increasingly found" in the nation's illicit drug supply. 

The action, an import alert, allows for the detainment of shipments of xylazine and the ingredients used to make it. The alert "aims to prevent the drug from entering the U.S. market for illicit purposes," the agency said in a news release. An import alert allows the FDA to detain shipments of products that appear to be in violation of the FDA's laws and regulations. 

The drug, an animal tranquilizer used by veterinarians to sedate large animals like horses, will still be made available for "legitimate uses."