The Department of Health has confirmed that several overdoses in St. Stephen over the weekend were the result of toxic drug poisonings, but are still working to understand what happened.
“We are actively engaging with our partners, including health and community organizations, to better understand the situation and identify any immediate concerns related to harmful substances in the area,” the department said in a statement.
Multiple suspected overdoses were reported in the community between Oct. 18 and 19. Ambulance New Brunswick responded to six suspected overdose calls over a 48-hour period.
The department did not confirm what type of toxic substance may have been involved in the overdose cases in St. Stephen.
At least four ambulances were called to respond to the shelter. Ambulance New Brunswick said the response may have temporarily depleted resources within the St. Stephen area, but remained available in the broader response district.
According to dispatch audio obtained through Broadcastify, at least one person was transported to hospital in the back of an RCMP cruiser.
READ MORE: St. Stephen sees surge in suspected overdose calls
In a press conference, Health Minister John Dornan said volunteer fire departments had asked the department for additional resources in dealing with medical emergencies.
“We’ve had input from the paramedic association and we are, ourselves, looking at that because you know many firefighters have to deal with emergency health care issues and sometimes they do not feel they have the tools to do that,” he said. “That is under active consideration.”
The department said it continues to support communities through funding take-home naloxone kits and drug checking services and encourage safe consumption with peers.
“We will continue monitoring this issue closely and providing support as needed, while working to address any emerging risks,” the statement said.
The RCMP in St. Stephen is also investigating the criminal activity linked to the overdoses.
“Between Oct. 18 and Oct. 20, 2026, members of the St. Stephen RCMP responded to several overdose-related calls within their jurisdiction in their capacity as first responders,” the statement said.
Police said as part of the investigation, they are seeking information about individuals who may be supplying illegal drugs in the area.
“The use of illegal drugs carries significant risks, as individuals can never be certain what a substance contains,” Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP said in a release. “Highly dangerous and potentially lethal substances may be in circulation, and even a small amount can have serious consequences. We encourage anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs in their community to contact police.”
RCMP said that while suspected overdose calls are medical emergencies and do not necessarily involve illegal activity, they are examining whether criminality may be involved.
