The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) and the Fredericton Fire Department (FFD) are alerting the public about a significant increase in drug overdoses within the city.
So far this year, police have responded to 60 drug overdose calls requiring medical intervention, compared to 2023, where officers responded to a total of 64 overdoses. FFD have also noted a marked increase and have responded to 104 overdose calls to date in 2024, compared to 78 in 2023 at the same time.
From the beginning of June, police officers attended 25 overdose-related calls, one involving a 14-year-old youth.
Preliminary investigations suggest that there has been an increased use of fentanyl, a potent, unpredictable and often lethal opioid. The FPF and FFD strongly urge drug users to exercise extreme caution.
NARCAN, an emergency medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is carried by all police, fire and emergency first responders, and is a critical measure in saving lives during an overdose.
Both the FPF and FFD are seeing an increase in the use of NARCAN, as a result of the increased use of fentanyl. In many instances, more than one dose is being administered, and in extreme cases, up to five doses were required to counteract the effects of the overdose.
The FPF wants to remind the public that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing the overdose.
Both your Fredericton Police Force and Fredericton Fire Department are deeply committed to the safety of all its citizens, particularly our most vulnerable populations and those at risk. We urge anyone using drugs to be aware of the increased risk and to seek help if needed. We also encourage friends and family members of those at risk to reach out to local health services for support and information.
-30-
Media contact:
Sonya Gilks
Public Information Officer
Fredericton Police Force
506-460-2777