Prince Albert ranks highest in Canada for cocaine and methamphetamine in wastewater

Statistics Canada wastewater analysis has identified Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, as having the highest recorded levels of cocaine and methamphetamine among the eight communities tested. Data collected between January 2024 and March 2026 shows methamphetamine concentrations in the city peaked at over 2,000 milligrams per day per 1,000 people in March.

Prince Albert is one of only two cities to record concentrations exceeding 1,000 milligrams per day per 1,000 people, the other being Moncton, New Brunswick. Saskatoon recorded the third-highest methamphetamine concentration at 957 milligrams. Additionally, Prince Albert saw the largest increase in norfentanyl levels between January and March.

City officials and the Prince Albert Police Service noted that while the data shows significant fluctuations and relies on small samples, the presence of metabolites confirms the substances were consumed by individuals rather than dumped into the system. Experts suggest wastewater data provides a population-level overview that can help combat stigma and assist police and community organizations in understanding substance use trends.