It seems the neighbors are quite different there.
Recent findings from local health officials indicate that sewage tests in affluent Nantucket show cocaine levels—50% above the national average.
The wastewater in these upscale Massachusetts areas contains over 15,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L) of cocaine, a stark contrast to the nationwide figure of around 1,000 ng/L. You can check the town’s findings on their official website.
The analysis also found traces of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and xylazine, alongside prescription opioids like codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, during a testing period from June 18 to June 28, 2028.
Interestingly, while Nantucket’s cocaine levels are notably high, the amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine detected were lower than both the national and northeastern averages.
Nantucket is often considered a summer retreat for the wealthy and the famous.
Prominent figures such as Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, actor Ben Stiller, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt call the island home.
This analysis looked into various substances, including cocaine and fentanyl.
Experts are planning further examinations in the winter months when the island tends to be less populated with its affluent summer visitors.
“It’s somewhat surprising that fentanyl levels are low; I had expected them to be higher,” one expert commented, adding that it was intriguing to see high cocaine prices. You can read more about it on the Boston Globe’s site.
“We aim to gauge conditions during winter, when the island is typically quieter,” he noted.
Officials mentioned that the drug-related data from wastewater analysis remains in its early phases, and results may fluctuate considerably.
“Since this activity is just beginning, we require additional baseline data for a clearer picture. For high-risk substances and opioids, sustained increases in the coming weeks could signal the need for public health interventions.”
Sewage samples are collected from a surfside treatment facility, which services around 70% of Nantucket’s approximately 14,000 residents.
The samples are then examined by a startup called Biobot Analytics, based out of MIT in Cambridge.
