Boston opioid overdose deaths rise 7%, fentanyl and ‘tranq’ found in the drug supply

More than 350 people in Boston died from opioid overdoses last year, a nearly 7% increase as health officials remind residents about fentanyl in the drug supply and the dangers of opioid use.

The Boston Public Health Commission also noted that the animal tranquilizer xylazine, known as “tranq,” has been found in the local drug supply and the powerful sedative leads to a higher risk of overdosing.

Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that Bay State fatal opioid overdoses hit a record-high last year. There were 2,357 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in the state last year, surpassing the previous peak in 2021 by 57 deaths. That’s a 2.5% increase year-over-year.

In Boston, 352 people died from opioid overdoses last year, a nearly 7% increase from 2021 (330 total deaths). From 2019 to 2022, Boston experienced a 36% increase in opioid-related deaths, more than twice the statewide rate of increase (16%) over the same time period.

A key factor for this increase is the role of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl was involved in more than 90% of opioid-related deaths in both the state and among Boston residents last year.

“This ongoing tragedy requires increasing our focus on overdose prevention throughout our city,” said Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of Public Health and executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission.

“We must respond by scaling up evidence-based interventions that decrease the harm associated with drug use and keep people alive,” Ojikutu added. “We must also address pervasive inequities and ensure that lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment are available to all.”