NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for allegedly operating drug houses to distribute the so-called "zombie drug," a mixture of xylazine and fentanyl.
William Griggs, 54, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl mixed with xylazine, opening two drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl mixed with xylazine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Griggs operated two drug-involved houses in Norfolk in February 2023, where he stored and packaged the "zombie drug" for distribution, and stored and packaged cocaine.
According to the DOJ, xylazine is a powerful sedative that has only been approved for veterinary use by the FDA.
"Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning," the DOJ wrote in a news release. "People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis -- the rotting of human tissue -- that may lead to amputation."
If convicted, Griggs could get up to life in prison, but actual sentences for federal crimes are usually less than the maximum penalties.
