A drug that was detected in nearly 50 fatal overdoses in Kentucky last year is the recipient of an emergency designation.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Monday the emergency designation of bromazolam as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, banning the drug from being sold in Kentucky and providing law enforcement the ability to make arrests for sales or possession.
“The action comes after bromazolam, widely known as ‘designer Xanax,’ has been tied to a growing number of fatal overdoses in the commonwealth and across the nation. It was detected in 48 overdose deaths in Kentucky in 2024,” according to the governor’s office.
The classification of bromazolam as a Schedule 1 controlled substance took effect immediately following the governor’s emergency designation.
“By answering our call to take emergency action on bromazolam, we have given Kentucky law enforcement new tools to keep this dangerous drug off our streets,” Attorney General Russell Coleman said. “I’m proud of the zealous collaboration with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force to sound the alarm and save lives. We live in a moment when as little as one pill can kill – and is killing – our kids. I’m glad we could work together to tackle this grave threat.”
Kentucky joins Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia in designating bromazolam as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
(Photo: Bromazolam pills, courtesy of Forensic Fluids.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
