According to preliminary data shared by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), 109 people in British Columbia lost their lives to suspected unregulated drug toxicity in May 2026, equating to approximately 3.5 deaths per day.

The preliminary data from May is the lowest number of monthly deaths due to suspected unregulated drug toxicity reported by the Coroners Service since February 2020 (79).

Overall, in the Interior Health Authority, 18 people died in May. Five people have died in the East Kootenay so far this year

During the first five months of 2026, deaths among people between 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 76% were male, the BCCS shared.

Since 2021, the death rate among people 60 and older has remained relatively stable, while the death rate among those 19 to 59 has declined significantly during the same period.

By health authority in 2026, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health authorities (169 and 166 deaths, respectively), making up 53% of all such deaths.

So far in 2026, 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, the BCCS said.

In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 67% of decedents who underwent expedited testing, followed by cocaine (55%), fentanyl (55%), methamphetamine (52%), desalkylgidazepam (24%), bromazolam (23%), and hydromorphone (five per cent). Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption (71%), followed by nasal insufflation (10%), injection (eight per cent) and oral (three per cent).

It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude, the BCCS pointed out.

See the most recent report.

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