New Brunswick has activated its Emergency Measures Organization in response to a spike in overdose cases in Greater Moncton.
The provincial government is using the emergency framework, typically reserved for natural disasters, to coordinate a response to the toxic illicit drug supply.
The move comes after Moncton's fire department reported 52 overdose calls over a single weekend, far exceeding the usual four to five daily calls.
Officials suspect the current drug supply contains a form of tranquilizer not meant for human consumption. The EMO activation brings together health, social development, and municipal officials with community organizations to share information and identify resource gaps.
The crisis is also affecting neighboring Nova Scotia, where public health officials have issued alerts about the same toxic supply. The unpredictable mix of opioids, benzodiazepines, and veterinary tranquilizers can leave people sedated for hours, and standard treatments like naloxone may not fully reverse the effects.
The two provinces are now sharing information as they track the evolving threat.