New substance, protodesnitazene, poses extreme risks of complex and potentially fatal toxicity.
Following a March 12, 2025, drug trafficking arrest, the Fredericton Police Force's (FPF) Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU) has identified a dangerous new substance, protodesnitazene, as a result of the investigation.
The initial arrest led to the seizure of 52.73 grams of fentanyl, including a greenish, rock-like substance that was part of the drugs tested. Laboratory analysis confirmed that protodesnitaneze poses severe risks of complex, life-threatening effects that may not respond to standard overdose treatment.
While no overdoses have been linked to this toxic new substance, these drugs may still make their way to our streets. Police are urging drug users to use extreme caution.
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.
Since the beginning of 2025, the FPF has responded to 15 overdose calls, matching the number from the same period in 2024. Throughout 2024, the FPF handled a total of 109 overdose incidents. Meanwhile, the Fredericton Fire Department (FFD) has seen an increase in overdose calls in early 2025, responding to 41 cases, compared to 33 calls in the same period of 2024. In total, the FFD responded to 191 overdose calls in 2024. These figures highlight a stable trend for the FPF and an upward trend in early 2025 for the FFD.
The FPF and FFD 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.
The IEU teams are made up of members from the RCMP, New Brunswick’s nine municipal police forces, and peace officers with the Province’s Department of Justice and Public Safety. These units focus on disrupting violence, the use of firearms, and the trafficking of illegal drugs across the province.
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks
Public Information Officer
Fredericton Police Force
Fpf.media@fredericton.ca
506-259-6758