In brief
A new generation of synthetic drugs is sweeping the United States, sparking alarm across the nation and in Chicago’s South Side. While overdose deaths fell in 2023, authorities worry that cheaper, more potent compounds such as the animal tranquiliser "tranq" could reverse progress. Police and community leaders in Chicago are mounting a multi‑front response, working with federal agencies that designated major cartels as terrorist groups. The BBC’s reporter, Quentin Sommerville, documents the on‑the‑ground battle, highlighting both the dangers of the drugs and the resilience of affected neighborhoods.
A new generation of synthetic drugs is sweeping the United States, sparking alarm across the nation and in Chicago’s South Side.
While overdose deaths dropped from a peak of around 110,000 in 2022 to roughly 70,000 in 2023, authorities fear that cheaper and more potent compounds—such as the animal tranquiliser “tranq”—could reverse the gains. The federal government has intensified crackdowns, even classifying major cartels as terrorist organizations under President Donald Trump’s earlier pledge.
On the ground, Chicago’s South Side residents confront a daily risk as these drugs flood local streets. Police and community leaders are coordinating a multi‑front response that includes increased law‑enforcement presence, public health outreach, and collaborations with federal agencies to intercept drug shipments.
BBC correspondent Quentin Sommerville brings viewers from the frontlines of this crisis, documenting both the raw violence and the resilience of neighborhoods caught in the crossfire. Through his lens, readers see how the fight against synthetic drugs is not just a federal mandate but a community‑led battle that continues to evolve.
