The latest data on drug overdose deaths in New York City shows they are at an unprecedented high level, increasing in 2021 by 78% from 2019. The New York City Department of Health says about 80% were due to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin.
The drug xylazine, called "tranq" or the zombie drug, is a powerful animal tranquilizer, often combined with heroin and fentanyl. Too much can immediately stop a user from breathing.
