Drug overdoses are way up - cops
Fredericton Police Force says officers have responded to 13 overdoses in past 24 hours alone, report that incidents are way up in 2025, with six recorded deaths so far this year
Police in Fredericton are raising the alarm about a troubling trend this year, reporting that instances of drug overdoses are way up in 2025 as compared to last year, with six deaths so far.
The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) issued a news release Friday afternoon about an urgent problem with respect to illegal drug use in the capital.
“Since the beginning of September, officers have attended 33 overdose-related calls - including 13 in the past 24 hours alone,” the Friday release said.
“So far this year, police have responded to 113 drug overdose calls requiring medical intervention, compared to 2024, where officers responded to a total of 76 overdoses at the same time.”
The force recorded 109 incidents in total last year, it said.
“To date in 2025, there have been six confirmed fatalities due to drug overdoses, with active investigations continuing into a number of these cases,” the release said.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that there has been an increased use of fentanyl, a potent, unpredictable and often lethal opioid.”
Police have received information indicating fentanyl is being mixed with other intoxicants, and the force is urging users to exercise extreme caution.
All police officers, firefighters and other first responders carry NARCAN, an emergency medication that reverses the effects of opioids, it said, and it’s vital in the prevention of overdose deaths.
“Due to increased fentanyl use, FPF reports more frequent NARCAN administration, often requiring officers to administer multiple doses to counteract overdoses,” the release said.
In addition to advising drug users to be careful, the force is urging friends and family members of those at risk to contact local health services for support and information.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing the overdose, the release said.
People should call 911 if they suspect someone is experiencing an overdose.
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