Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Warns of ‘tranq-dope,’ ‘benzo-dope’ in Ohio’s Illicit Drug Supply

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin today alerting Ohioans to an increasing number of illicit drug samples found to contain mixtures of powerful drugs that can cause overdoses and/or skin wounds.

ONIC reported that drug testing labs across Ohio recorded an eight-fold increase in drug samples containing mixtures of “tranq-dope” (opioids and sedatives) and more than double the number of samples containing mixtures of “benzo-dope” (opioids and benzodiazepines) between 2021 and 2023 as compared to the three years prior. These drug mixtures have been identified in several forms, including counterfeit pills, powder, and rocks.

Sedatives and benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and muscle relaxation while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Opioids such as fentanyl cause significant respiratory depression, which often is the primary cause of death in opioid-related drug poisoning cases.

Most of today’s illicit drug mixtures are extremely potent, which can make life-saving efforts more difficult.  From 2017–2022, 58% of drug poisoning deaths in Ohio involved a mixture of illicit drugs.

“Part of the reason to issue this bulletin is the fact that naloxone may be less effective for someone experiencing an overdose caused by tranq-dope or benzo-dope,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director. “Reversing the effects of a drug poisoning in those cases may require multiple doses of naloxone. These are extremely dangerous drug mixtures, and every Ohioan needs to be aware of the danger.”

Common drugs often mixed with tranq-dope or benzo-dope in Ohio include:

• Opioids such as fentanyl/fentanyl analogues, heroin, nitazenes, and oxycodone.
• Sedatives such as xylazine, medetomidine, ketamine, and detomidine.
• Benzodiazepines such as bromazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and flualprazolam.

Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, ONIC is a specialized criminal intelligence unit that works to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.

To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642). Information about how to access naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, and fentanyl test strips is available by visiting naloxone.ohio.gov.