In brief
New synthetic drugs, including the animal tranquiliser tranq, are spreading across the U.S., prompting federal action and local counter‑measures. President Trump’s recent designation of key drug‑cartels as terrorist organisations marks a sharper federal crackdown. Despite a 40% drop in overdose deaths—down from 110,000 in 2022 to about 70,000 in 2025—health officials warn that cheaper, more potent synthetic substances threaten to reverse progress. The Department of Justice and Chicago police are collaborating with community outreach and upgraded hospital overdose teams to curb the crisis. The BBC’s Quentin Sommerville provides on‑the‑ground coverage from Chicago’s South Side to illuminate the local struggle.
WARNING: Video includes disturbing drug‑taking scenes.
New synthetic drugs, including the animal tranquiliser tranq, are spreading across the United States, raising alarms among law‑enforcement and health officials.
President Trump has recently designated several drug‑cartel groups as terrorist organisations, foreshadowing a harder crackdown.
Despite a drop in overdose deaths—from roughly 110,000 in 2022 to about 70,000 in 2025—authorities warn that cheaper, potent synthetic substances threaten to reverse progress.
Journalist Quentin Sommerville reports from Chicago’s South Side, where residents and police collaborate to counteract the crisis.
- The South Side community is launching outreach programmes targeting youth.
- Police deploy drug‑detection drones and swarm monitoring technology.
- Local hospitals are expanding overdose response teams.
You can watch the full front‑line coverage here: BBC Live Stream
Stay tuned for more updates via the Metaworld Media portal.
