FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 18, 2026) - Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the Trump Administration acted on his request to create a nationwide ban on a drug that contributed to the deaths of nearly 50 Kentuckians.
This week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) formally added bromazolam to the federal schedule of controlled substances. A Schedule I drug designation empowers law enforcement across the country to crack down on bromazolam while increasing awareness of the drug’s potentially deadly effects.
Last year, Attorney General Coleman led a 21-state coalition calling on the DEA to schedule the drug.
Called “Designer Xanax,” bromazolam is passed off as prescription pills commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Sold on the streets and online, bromazolam has proven to be both highly potent and even lethal, especially when combined with opioids or other central nervous system depressants. After the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force sounded the alarm, General Coleman urged Kentucky health officials to immediately ban the drug in the Commonwealth.
After the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force sounded the alarm, General Coleman urged Kentucky health officials to immediately ban the drug in the Commonwealth.
“Through zealous collaboration among our outstanding partners in Kentucky law enforcement, health officials and the Trump Administration, we’ve successfully banned bromazolam nationwide,” said Attorney General Coleman. “We must continue to run faster to counter the deadly drug threat, and I’m grateful to all those who helped protect Kentucky families.”
“We commend Attorney General Coleman for his strong leadership, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public safety in leading the charge for the rescheduling of bromazolam. His efforts have had an immediate and meaningful impact-- not only strengthening communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but also contributing to the protection of citizens nationwide,” said Scott Hardcorn, director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.
“The emergency scheduling of bromazolam is a decisive step to get ahead of a rapidly evolving threat. We will not wait for more lives to be put at risk,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz, Diversion Control Division. “This action closes dangerous gaps, disrupts access, and gives law enforcement and public health partners the tools they need to respond. Protecting our communities from emerging drugs is a top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly to stay ahead of those who seek to exploit them.”
The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported 48 overdose deaths in 2024 involving bromazolam.