By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has banned a drug that has contributed to the death of nearly 50 Kentuckians, following a request from Attorney General Russell Coleman and a 21-state coalition, Coleman announced in a press release.
On March 18, the DEA placed bromazolam, a synthetic benzodiazepine used to make counterfeit Xanax tablets, into the Schedule I controlled substance drug list, for drugs that have no current accepted medical use and that have a high potential for abuse.
“The emergency scheduling of bromazolam is a decisive step to get ahead of a rapidly evolving threat. We will not wait for more lives to be put at risk,” DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz, Diversion Control Division, said in the release. “This action closes dangerous gaps, disrupts access and gives law enforcement and public health partners the tools they need to respond. Protecting our communities from emerging drugs is a top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly to stay ahead of those who seek to exploit them.”
This designation empowers law enforcement across the country to crack down on bromazolam while increasing awareness of the drug’s potentially deadly effects, according to the release. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported 48 overdose deaths in 2024 involving bromazolam.
Commonly called “designer Xanax,” bromazolam is being passed off as prescription pills, including benzodiazepines, which are used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia and seizures. Sold illicitly on the streets and online, bromazolam has proven to be both highly potent and even lethal, especially when combined with opioids or other central nervous system depressants.
Coleman and the coalition called on the DEA to schedule the drug after the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force sounded the alarm. He also urged Kentucky health officials to ban the drug within the state. Gov. Andy Beshear banned the drug in Kentucky in August, within two weeks of Coleman’s request.
“Through zealous collaboration among our outstanding partners in Kentucky law enforcement, health officials and the Trump Administration, we’ve successfully banned bromazolam nationwide,” Coleman said. “We must continue to run faster to counter the deadly drug threat, and I’m grateful to all those who helped protect Kentucky families.”
