Home / Health / Fredericton Police Warn of Deadly Drug Supply
Fredericton Police Warn of Deadly Drug Supply
24 Apr
Summary
- Nine overdose calls in 48 hours prompted police warning.
- Illicit drug supply is toxic and unpredictable.
- Overdose calls increased significantly year-over-year.
The Fredericton Police Force has issued a critical public warning due to a significant surge in drug overdoses. Officers responded to nine overdose calls within a recent 48-hour period, attributing the rise to a "toxic and unpredictable" illicit drug supply that leaves users unaware of the substances they are consuming.
This alarming trend follows a substantial year-over-year increase in overdose incidents. As of the warning on Thursday, police had responded to 61 overdose calls in the current year, a stark contrast to the 27 calls received by this time last year. Last year, Fredericton police recorded a total of 162 overdose calls.
Constable Gerik Skoretz stressed the importance of calling 911 during an overdose, noting that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal immunity for those seeking help, even if they have outstanding warrants. He advised users to avoid using alone and to carry naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Skoretz emphasized that naloxone is a temporary measure and emergency medical services should always be contacted.
