Moncton Overdose Crisis: Vet Drug Suspected

First responders and front-line workers in the Greater Moncton area are confronting an unprecedented two-week surge in overdoses, with authorities suspecting a contaminant in the local drug supply.

Vitalité Health Network issued a warning on Thursday, indicating that illicit drugs in the region may contain medetomidine, a potent veterinary tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl. This substance poses a significant challenge as naloxone, while crucial for opioid overdoses, cannot counteract sedatives like medetomidine.

Harvest House Atlantic, a local support organization, recorded an alarming 309 overdose reversals between June 1 and June 11. Their team is now responding to an average of 28 to 30 overdoses daily, a dramatic increase from their previous baseline of one to three. The situation peaked on Thursday with 52 overdoses responded to by their staff.

Moncton fire Chief Conrad Landry confirmed that firefighter responses have also escalated dramatically, from four or five calls daily to approximately 20 since the surge began over the late May weekend. This crisis has prompted the fast-tracking of a new, smaller medical rescue vehicle, expected to be operational by the end of June.

Ambulance New Brunswick also reported responding to 248 suspected overdose calls in the Greater Moncton area between May 29 and June 11, underscoring the widespread impact of this public health emergency.