18 pounds of horse tranquilizer seized by CBP officers in Chicago

CHICAGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at an air cargo facility in Chicago seized three shipments containing the deadly sedative Xylazine on April 12.

All the shipments were arriving from China and were headed to three different residences one in Cleveland, Ohio, and two in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The three packages were examined as they contained unknown powders requiring further testing. Officers used a handheld elemental isotype analysis tool to identify the powder. The tool was able to positively identify the powder as Xylazine.

Used by veterinarians as a sedative for large animals, xylazine is being increasingly found mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin, often with deadly results. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have issued warnings about xylazine, also known as “tranq.” In addition to the inherent danger of overdose, this substance is not an opioid and does not respond to Narcan. There is no known antidote which would counter overdose effects.

“The work of our officers has been incredible and their dedication to CBP's enforcement mission is evident when you look at these deadly illicit substance seizures,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operation, Chicago field Office. “Drug traffickers are persistent in their attempts to smuggle sedatives such as xylazine into the United States, however, through our hard work and vigilance we will continue to intercept these dangerous substances at our port of entry before they can harm our communities."

As the largest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP has a vast, complex, and dynamic mission faced with constantly changing threats. By being continuously watchful and alert, CBP is dedicated to facilitating lawful trade and travel and protecting the nation and its people.

CBP’s border security mission is led at 328 ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. Follow Chicago CBP on X @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.