The police in St. John issued a warning after receiving a sharp increase in calls about drug overdoses.

The St. John Police Force says officers responded to about 30 percent of calls related to drug overdoses in the first four months of the year, compared to 2021.

In the past week alone, the police in the city witnessed a significant increase in these types of calls.
The police say officers responded to about 18 drug overdose calls in one week between April 23 and April 30.

The police reported that fentanyl is suspected in at least eight cases. They also said officers only responded to six similar calls in the previous week.

Sergeant Sean Rocca said in a press statement, "Although this is a small sample, it may also indicate that a more potent or dangerous substance is currently being traded in the area,"

"We all recognize that homelessness, poverty, mental health, and drug dependence are important issues in our community and that they are complex social issues that require solutions from all sectors of society, not just the police."

St. John Police Chief R. Bruce established a joint task force, which will host a roundtable discussion focusing on how to respond to these issues. The discussion, which will include stakeholders and government officials, is scheduled to be held this month.