MP Calls For Crackdown On Animal Sedative Being Mixed With Drugs
The lawmaker cited the trend whereby veterinary medicines that include Xylazine are being used in drug mixtures, a practice that has raised alarm among health authorities.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Dido Raso, Member of Parliament for Saku, has flagged an emerging trend of certain veterinary medicines used in drug mixtures.
Raso is part of the Kenyan delegation to the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, where he delivered a strong statement emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of substance control.
The lawmaker cited the trend whereby veterinary medicines that include Xylazine are being used in drug mixtures, a practice that has raised alarm among health authorities.
“We have further witnessed the increased use of veterinary medicines such as Xylazine in making drug mixtures. We call on WHO (World Health Organization) for further review and advice on control measures,” he revealed in a press statement sent to Viral Tea on Wednesday, March 12.
MP Dido Raso (left) at Vienna, Austria on March 12, 2025. /HANDOUT
Xylazine is a powerful sedative and pain reliever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use and has been making its way into the illicit drug supply with alarming consequences.
Although not intended for human consumption, this central nervous system depressant is increasingly being mixed with illegal opioids—most commonly fentanyl—heightening the risks of overdose and fatal drug poisoning. However, despite its presence in the opioid trade, xylazine itself is not an opioid, complicating treatment efforts and posing a significant public health threat.
At the same Vienna event, Raso highlighted the need for robust international collaboration to tackle the rising misuse of certain substances and called for further evaluation of specific drugs that pose significant public health risks.
“I thank you, Chair, for granting me the floor,” began Raso. “Kenya appreciates and honors the treaty-mandated role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in identifying and conducting research on substances whilst evaluating their impact on human health.”
The MP underscored Kenya’s support for the recommendations outlined in the recent WHO and INCB reports, particularly those addressing substances with adverse effects on public health. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to remaining vigilant and proactive in monitoring substances categorized for surveillance. “Upon review of the report and in light of their adverse effects, Kenya supports the recommendations and commits to being on alert for all substances categorized for surveillance,” he stated.
Raso also raised concerns about the increasing misuse of certain pharmaceuticals, including Tramadol and Ketamine, which have become prevalent in Kenya and other regions. “While I have the floor, I wish to urge the WHO once again to consider undertaking further evaluation of Tramadol and continue discussions leading to consideration of Ketamine, whose use and misuse are on the rise,” he said.
Raso’s remarks reflect Kenya’s proactive stance in addressing the complex and evolving landscape of substance control. His call for enhanced evaluation and regulation of these substances aligns with global efforts to mitigate the health and social consequences of drug misuse.
The 68th CND, a key forum for international drug policy discussions, has provided a platform for member states to share insights and strategies for tackling drug-related challenges. Raso’s intervention underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches and international cooperation in ensuring effective substance control.
As the session continues, Kenya’s advocacy for stronger measures against the misuse of Tramadol, Ketamine, and veterinary drugs is expected to contribute to broader discussions on safeguarding public health and strengthening global drug control frameworks.
