A local state of emergency has been declared by the St. Mary’s First Nation in New Brunswick due to an ongoing drug crisis in the community.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the St. Mary’s First Nation states that the community is in danger, in particular its youth, due to a spike in illegal drug-related activity.
The First Nation community said the next 48 hours are critical following the emergency declaration, which is effective immediately. They are also asking for the full cooperating of the community during this time.
The post was signed by the chief and council and said that “escalating risks due to illegal drug activity which endangers the safety and wellbeing of our citizens, particularly our youth.”
More details are to come as the community creates a plan to deal with the issues alongside help from federal and provincial partners.
The post has also asked that members of the community not congregate around the police presence during their activity for safety reasons.
Fredericton police have not yet commented on what has caused the state of emergency however, they have increased their presence in the community along with RCMP, Fredericton Fire and EMS.
Fredericton police responded to a disturbance on Sunday, in which one male was charged with assault with a weapon and taken into custody.
“Upon arrival, members observed a large crowd gathered in an area that required immediate containment,” said Fredericton police in a statement to CBC.
The St. Mary’s community said that the state of emergency was declared in order to “access additional resources through provincial and federal programs.”
“The battle against drugs is one which demands unity and a collective commitment to safety,” said the community safety update. “We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent in the face of this threat.”
Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers said she was notified of the local state of emergency on Monday night.
“I have faith in the police force and I have faith that we’ll be notified when we need to take further measures,” said Rogers.
“I have respect for Chief [Polchies Jr.] and band council that they’re making the decisions that they feel they need to for their community.”
