The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) reports 133 people died in September 2026 due to suspected unregulated drug toxicity, including 29 in Interior Health.

A total of 11 people have died in the East Kootenay so far this year.

The provincial death toll equates to approximately four deaths per day throughout the province and amounts to 1,143 deaths in 2026, including 204 in the Interior Health Authority.

In 2026, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 70% of drug-toxicity deaths in B.C., and 76% are male, the BCCS report notes.

By health authority, in 2026, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths are in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (311 and 298 deaths, respectively), making up 53% of all such deaths. Northern Health continues to have the highest rate of unregulated drug-toxicity deaths in 2026, at 43.4 per 100,000 people.

Interior Health is 31.0 per 100,000.

So far in 2026, 78% of unregulated drug-toxicity deaths occurred inside, in places such as private residences, social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, hotels and other locations. Twenty per cent of deaths have occurred outside, in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets, campgrounds and parks.

In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 68% of decedents who underwent expedited toxicological testing, followed by cocaine (55%), methamphetamine (53%), fentanyl (50%) and desalkylgidazepam (20%). Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption in 2026 (67%) among unregulated drug-toxicity deaths.

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

See the Drug-toxicity deaths report for September 2026.

e-KNOW

Article Share