HONOLULU, Hawaii – The use of the animal tranquilizer xylazine appears to be on the rise in Hawaii. According to the executive director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, Gary Yabuta, there were four overdose deaths involving xylazine in the state in 2023. This is a significant increase from the previous three years, during which there were no reported xylazine-related deaths.
Xylazine is being added to drugs like fentanyl to prolong the effects of the high. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a public alert, warning that the addition of xylazine is making fentanyl, a deadly drug, even more lethal. One concerning aspect is that there is currently no antidote for xylazine, making it even more dangerous for those who use drugs laced with it.
Despite efforts to combat drug overdoses and availability of naloxone or Narcan, Hawaii is expected to reach a new high in fentanyl-related deaths in 2023. First responders are reportedly attending to at least one drug overdose case daily, and sometimes even multiple cases in a day in the state.
Recent body camera footage obtained by Hawaii News Now has shown the efforts of Honolulu Police Department and Honolulu Fire Department in performing life-saving treatments on individuals who overdosed inside a Waikiki hotel room. The use of Narcan, both in nasal and intravenous forms, was evident in the efforts to revive the victims.
These incidents highlight the severity of the drug crisis facing Hawaii. With an increasing number of fentanyl-related deaths in the state, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of drug abuse and to provide the necessary support and resources for those battling addiction.
The troubling trend of drug-related deaths is a cause for concern, and health officials and law enforcement are urging for increased awareness and intervention to prevent further casualties. As Hawaii grapples with this issue, it is essential for communities to come together to provide support for those struggling with substance abuse. If you or someone you know is facing addiction, the Hawaii Cares line is available for assistance.