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The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
A report was issued this week of the drugs that have been most often seized and submitted for testing in the state’s crime lab so far in 2023.
Some of the drugs listed are very familiar to anyone who has been following the news cycle over the past 5 years, but some are more obscure.
The list is as follows, from criminal cases across the state, of all drugs submitted to the TBI by local law enforcement agencies that were encountered during criminal cases.
10.) Delta-9 THC
This is one of 3 cannabis products that is still considered legal in Tennessee. However, any other forms that contain concentrations of 0.3% or higher of THC continues to be illegal.
9.) Xylazine
Xylazine, also known by it’s street name “Tranq” is a powerful veterinary sedative. It is being seen most often in combination with Fentanyl. The addition to the fentanyl they suspect is because it might prolong or enhance the effects. Unlike Fentanyl, Narcan has no effect on Xylazine.
8.) Buprenorphine
Also known by trade names Buprenex, Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv, Sublocade, and Butran, this drug is most commonly known to help fight drug addiction. The issue is that because it comes in a form that is compact, it can be easily smuggled into prisons and jails undetected.
7.) Heroin
TBI says it is seeing less Heroin than in previous years, which is due to the rising use of fentanyl in lieu of heroin. It does still remain an issue for the agency.
6.) Flurofentanyl
This “flavor” or analog of fentanyl, is just one of 25 variations that have been picked up by the agency since 2005. These derivatives can be thought of as individual pieces that can be joined together in different combinations. While the structure is the same, the end product can be different depending on what combination is used. Some analogs can be even more potent than the fentanyl itself.
5.) Cocaine
While it isn’t as common on the streets of Tennessee as it once was, it still has enough prevalence to cause problems for law enforcement.
4.) 4ANPP
Another fentanyl derivative, it is also a scheduled drug. The rise of this drug seems to be because it is hitching a ride with the rise of fentanyl as it replaces the usual opioids that have dominated the street market in the past.
3.) Fentanyl
This year the TBI is predicting it will see over 4,000 cases involving this drug by year’s end. The biggest issue with Fentanyl is the consistent link to overdose deaths, a number which seems to climb every year.
2.) Cannabis or Marijuana
Often confused by law enforcement over the years for hemp, law enforcement has gotten better at identifying the substance.
1.) Methamphetamine
The TBI said far away the most commonly encountered substance in criminal cases is Meth. It is seen in about 32% of cases, which is down from 2020, and 2021 where is came in at about 36%.
Another drug that got an honorable mention, or rather a dishonorable mention, is a type of very powerful synthetic opiate called Nitazenes. While it only clocks in at about 0.15% of criminal cases, that is up from 2020 and 2021 where it had been at about 0.04%.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
