This bill amends current law to require that controlled dangerous substances seized by law enforcement officers be tested for the presence of xylazine, in addition to fentanyl. The Attorney General's program for monitoring drug activity will now include the analysis of trends related to xylazine in illegal substances. The bill mandates that the Division of State Police establish protocols for testing these substances and report any findings regarding xylazine to the Attorney General. Furthermore, the information collected will be compiled into a database accessible to law enforcement agencies and will be continuously updated to reflect the latest data on both fentanyl and xylazine.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the information regarding the presence of xylazine in seized substances must be submitted to the Department of Health for inclusion in the New Jersey State Assessment Data System and Overdose Data Dashboard. This aims to enhance the state's ability to monitor and respond to the increasing presence of xylazine in illegal drugs, which has been linked to its use as an adulterant in opioids. The bill highlights the growing concern over xylazine, which, while approved for veterinary use, poses significant risks when found in human street drugs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-246