CMEDIA: According to the preliminary data reported by the BC Coroners Service, suspected unregulated-drug toxicity — equating to about four deaths per day — caused the death of 119 people in British Columbia in April 2026.
Among those between the ages of 30 and 59 which accounted for 68%, and 76% were male lost their lives In 2026 due to drug-toxicity deaths.
The death rate among individuals 60 and older has remained relatively stable since 2021, while the death rate among those between 19 and 59 has declined significantly over the same period.
In 2026 so far, 81% of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside in places such as private residences, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancies, shelters and other locations, and 18% occurred outside in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.
By health authority in 2026 the highest number of unregulated-drug deaths were in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health authorities (145 and 134 deaths respectively) making up 53% of all such deaths.
Fluorofentanyl, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, desalkylflurazepam, bromazepam and hydromorphone were the main cause of unregulated drug deaths
Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption, followed by nasal insufflation, injection and oral.
The data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.
