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First responders and front-line workers in the Greater Moncton area are battling an unprecedented, two-week surge in overdoses driven by a suspected contaminant in the local drug supply.
Vitalité Health Network warned Thursday that illicit drugs in the region may contain medetomidine — a potent veterinary tranquilizer frequently mixed with fentanyl.
Harvest House Atlantic, a local support organization, recorded 309 overdose reversals between June 1 and June 11. The team is currently responding to an average of 28 to 30 overdoses daily, a stark jump from its previous baseline of one to three.
Executive director Leon Baker, who also co-chairs the Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee, said the actual total is likely greater because of the strain on staff. Thursday was the worst day yet during the current crisis, with workers responding to 52 overdoses.
“We’re seeing our teams take it home with them,” Baker said. “What they’re seeing on the streets and just, you know, hoping not to lose a life.”
To cope with the increase in overdoses, Harvest House has brought on extra staff, counsellors, and pastoral care, alongside security personnel trained to use naloxone — a drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
While Vitalité warned it cannot counteract a veterinary sedative like medetomidine, health officials stress naloxone should still be administered immediately in all suspected overdoses.
Baker said the organization is communicating with clients shaken by the spike.
“Everyone cares for each other and it’s a community,” he said. “Somebody we know has had a hard day, it impacts their whole circle of friends, for sure.”
Moncton fire Chief Conrad Landry said firefighter responses have also jumped from four or five calls a day to about 20 since the surge began over the late May weekend.
“We’ve never seen a spike like this,” Landry said. “We thought this would have been over by now…. We’re not really sure how long the supply is going to continue.”
The crisis has fast-tracked the deployment of a new, smaller medical rescue vehicle approved by Moncton city council last year. Landry said the truck is now expected to be operational by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, an Ambulance New Brunswick spokesperson confirmed that paramedics responded to 248 suspected overdose calls in the Greater Moncton area between May 29 and June 11.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, here’s where to look for help:
Government of Canada list of resources and services.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
