Federal agents in El Paso say they have pulled roughly 16 kilograms of a purple, moldable fentanyl mixture off the streets after lab tests showed it contained xylazine. Authorities say it is the first time they have seen this colored, pliable form of fentanyl in the region, and the discovery has them warning residents and health providers to brace for more complex overdoses.
What agents found
El Paso's DEA office told local reporters the haul totaled about 16 kilograms and that testing showed the powder was purple and contained xylazine, which increases its danger, as reported by KVIA. Public information officer Carlos Briano said the mixture is "50 times more powerful than heroin" and that "only two milligrams could potentially kill you." Officials also noted that the color and soft, putty-like texture can make the substance easier to conceal and may be used to market different versions of the drug on street markets.
DEA lab warns of soft, pliable fentanyl
The DEA's laboratory system has issued an advisory describing a new soft, pliable form of fentanyl that can appear in multiple colors and be molded or shaped, which may make detection and handling more dangerous, according to the DEA. Public health agencies stress that xylazine is not an opioid and will not be reversed by naloxone alone. Guidance from the CDC says naloxone should still be given whenever opioids may be involved, but additional medical support is often required. The combination of fentanyl and xylazine raises the risk that first responders will need to give repeated naloxone doses along with other life-saving interventions.
Local response and trends
El Paso Fire Department officials told reporters the city recorded 79 overdoses from the start of 2025 through November, and crews are already encountering patients who need more than one dose of Narcan to start breathing again, as reported by KVIA. Captain Jeffery Park said the presence of animal tranquilizers in the local drug supply is new and has changed how crews treat suspected overdoses. The department's mobile teams provide outreach in some cases and distribute naloxone to families and neighbors affected by an overdose.
How to reduce risk
Health experts advise that people who use drugs, or who are around people who use drugs, carry naloxone, avoid using alone, and call for help immediately if someone shows signs of overdose. When xylazine might be involved, rescue breaths are especially important, according to the CDC. For crisis support, people can dial or text 988 to reach trained counselors who can connect them with local resources and next steps. Community awareness, prompt medical care for wounds or lingering sedation, and ready access to naloxone remain key tools to prevent deaths as the drug supply continues to evolve.
Officials say residents should watch for updates from federal and local agencies. The DEA advisory on the soft, pliable fentanyl form includes photos and handling guidance for responders and is available online. The arrival of colored, xylazine-containing fentanyl in El Paso underscores how quickly the illegal supply can shift and why harm reduction efforts and rapid medical response remain critical.
