A Philadelphia mother, Vanessa Hampton, has been taken into custody after allegedly causing the death of her 10-month-old son through exposure to an illicit drug known as “tranq.” Hampton, 32, hailing from Frankford, was apprehended in Philadelphia last week and is currently awaiting extradition to New Jersey. She is facing charges of manslaughter and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
The investigation into this tragic incident was initiated in November 2022 when the Medford Township police responded to a residence for an unresponsive infant. The young boy was immediately rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have revealed that drug suppliers are adulterating the fentanyl and heroin supply with an animal tranquilizer called xylazine, commonly referred to as “tranq.” This practice is driven by the drug’s affordability and accessibility. A medical examiner has determined the child’s death to be a homicide, attributing it to drug intoxication resulting from exposure to xylazine allegedly administered by his mother.
Xylazine is extensively employed in veterinary medicine as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic. However, it is not approved for human consumption or medical treatment in the United States. Officials have expressed concern over the drug’s incorporation into fentanyl and other illicit opioids.
