Vancouver/CMEDIA: Nearly five British Columbians reportedly have continued to lose their lives each day as the province approaches 10 years of the public health emergency regarding toxic drugs according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service.
Although representing a decrease of 10% from 167 deaths investigated in Jan 2025, 150 deaths reported in Jan still equates to 4.8 deaths daily and is consistent with the number of deaths reported monthly throughout 2025.
Between 30 and 59 years, and 80% contributed to nearly three-quarters of the lives lost in Jan 2026.
A significant majority of deaths are attributed to Fentanyl and its analogues with nearly eight in every 10 tests returning positive results.
The dominant mode of consumption remains smoking, with evidence indicating that almost three of every four decedents in January 2026 consumed the substances that led to their deaths in this manner.
Other findings of note include:
- By health authority, in January 2026: The highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health authorities (42 and 36 deaths, respectively), making up 52% of all such deaths during 2026. The highest rates were in Northern Health (58 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Interior Health (40 per 100,000).
- By Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA), in 2026: The highest rates were in Kootenay Boundary, Central Vancouver Island, Northern Interior, Northeast, and Vancouver.
- By local health area, in 2025: The highest rates were in Vancouver – Centre North, Lillooet, Greater Campbell River, Terrace, and Vancouver – City Centre.
Data contained in the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.
