Augusta, GA

S.C., Ga. health officials keeping an eye on spread of ‘tranq’

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2023

S.C., Ga. health officials keeping an eye on spread of ‘tranq’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – South Carolina health officials will start collecting data on overdose deaths related to an animal tranquilizer finding its way into illegal drugs.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control this week issued a public health order for xylazine, effective Nov. 27.

The order would require medical professionals who test for xylazine in overdose victims to report positive results to the state agency or face a fine.

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The long-acting sedative with pain-relieving and muscle relaxant properties – used as a tranquilizer for large animals – is most commonly found mixed with heroin, cocaine marijuana and illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

The depressant can slow your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerous levels.

The Georgia Department of Public Health found that between 2020 and 2022, xylazine-related deaths increased by more than 1,100% in the Peach State. Officials say 183 Georgians died last year of an overdose where levels of xylazine were present.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says it’s not clear at this point if xylazine is being diverted from veterinary medication, or if it’s being produced illicitly.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control board deferred labeling the drug as a controlled substance to allow lawmakers to work on a way to control the drug without disrupting veterinarians.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

8 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

19 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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