Moncton wastewater reveals methamphetamine levels among highest in Canada

HEALTH Moncton wastewater reveals methamphetamine levels among highest in Canada By Rebecca Lau & Reeti Rohilla Global News Posted September 24, 2026 4:00 pm Updated September 24, 2026 4:42 pm 3 min read View image in full screen FILE - A new look at what's flowing through Moncton's sewers is revealing high levels of methamphetamine. Suzanne Lapointe / Global News LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE A new look at what’s flowing through Moncton’s sewers is revealing high levels of methamphetamine. Recent Canadian wastewater survey results from Statistics Canada show Moncton’s levels were among the highest of eight cities tested — above Toronto and Metro Vancouver. Prince Albert, Sask. had the highest levels, followed by Saskatoon and Moncton. The survey results are from a testing period from January 2024 to March 2026. “It’s too limited a period of observation that we have from Moncton to really speak concretely to trends over time that we have. In the future, that picture will become clearer gradually,” said Sianne Kuang, an analyst with Statistics Canada. “But what we can say with the data that we had collected so far is that for methamphetamine and cocaine, (Moncton’s) levels of these substances are consistently above the combined average that we see of all cities being monitored.” STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT 2:26 Toxic drug supply seeing urgent response from New Brunswick government Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. While Statistics Canada adjusts its results for population, Kuang said comparisons between cities have limitations. Population changes driven by tourism or commuting patterns, as well as differences in sewer infrastructure, can affect the data. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY HEALTH NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. “It’s important to keep that in mind, especially when the differences are small. Those results should be interpreted with caution,” she said. Moncton firefighters responded to just over 1,500 overdose calls between January and August last year. That number has risen by nearly 1,000…