According to preliminary data reported by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), March 2026 saw 135 lives lost province-wide to suspected unregulated drug toxicity, equating to about 4.4 deaths per day.

Twenty-two people died in Interior Health in March. Five people have died in the East Kootenay so far this year from overdoses.

In 2026, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 78% were male, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and BC Coroners Service reported.

By health authority in 2026, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (101 and 107 deaths, respectively), making up 52% of all such deaths.

So far in 2026, 82% of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside in places like private residences, social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters and other locations, and 17% occurred outside in places like vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.

In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 66% of decedents who underwent expedited testing, followed by fentanyl (59%), cocaine (56%), methamphetamine (54%), bromazolam (24%), desalkylgidazepam (24%), and hydromorphone (5%). Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption (72%), followed by nasal insufflation (8%), injection (7%) and oral (4%).

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 BC Coroners Service noted.

Read the BCCS report.

e-KNOW

Article Share