The number of Floridians who tested positive for a horse tranquilizer after they died doubled within a year.
10 Investigates was one of the first news outlets in the country to start sounding the alarm on this problem in 2022.
We now have data from 2022 newly released by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, which is important because it was the first year that Florida medical examiners were required to report when people tested positive for xylazine after death.
They reported 471 dead Floridians tested positive in 2022.
That’s double the number from 2021 before reporting xylazine was required, when Florida medical examiners voluntarily identified 236 deaths.
Some people who ingest xylazine have no idea that it’s been mixed into the drugs they bought.
People who are using it on purpose have told researchers that xylazine makes the feelings of euphoria they get from fentanyl last longer.
