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At least 21 state attorneys general are advocating for a federal ban on bromazolam, commonly known as "designer Xanax." This anti-anxiety drug, often purchased online by teens and young adults, is linked to 48 deaths in Kentucky last year. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has already banned the drug at the state level and is pushing for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to take emergency action to ban it federally.
Governor Beshear, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of removing this drug from communities, stating, "This deadly drug has no place in our communities, and now we have the tools needed to get it off the streets and protect more lives." His executive action followed a request from the state's Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman, highlighting a bipartisan effort to combat the threat.
According to UPI, bromazolam is often laced with fentanyl, increasing its danger. In February, DEA agents seized three-and-a-half-million "designer Xanax" pills in New York City. Frank Tarrentino from New York's DEA office confirmed the drug's frequent contamination with fentanyl.
The attorneys general argue that without federal scheduling, bromazolam will continue to evade regulatory and prosecutorial measures. They have sent a letter to DEA Administrator Terry Cole urging federal action. Virginia's Attorney General Jason Miyares stated, "Now, I'm encouraging federal action to ensure every state has the same tools to protect Americans."