About 4 people died daily from toxic drugs in B.C. in February

About 4 people died daily from toxic drugs in B.C. in February

Published 4:49 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The latest data from the B.C. Coroners Service shows 115 people died from toxic drugs in the province in February.

The coroners service released the latest monthly data Wednesday (April 15), which showed a decrease from the 150 recorded deaths in January.

The number of deaths in February equates to about 4.1 deaths per day. It was 4.8 deaths daily in January.

People aged 30 to 59 accounted for 69 per cent of all fatal overdoses in February and 78 per cent of those who died were male.

In the first two months of 2026, 81 per cent of unregulated drug deaths happened inside in places like private residences, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancy, shelters and other locations. Eighteen per cent of deaths occurred outside in places like vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.

Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities continue to lead in the number of toxic drug deaths, with 62 and 74 deaths, respectively. The two health authorities make up 51 per cent of the fatal overdoses.

In expedited toxicological testing in 2026, the B.C. Coroners Service says stimulants are the most-common substance detected.

Over 80 per cent of those who died who underwent expedited testing, stimulants were reported in 83 per cent. That was followed by fentanyl and its analogues at 80 per cent and benzodiazepines at 36 per cent.

The B.C. Coroners Service says smoking continues to be the most-common mode of consumption at 71 per cent, followed by nasal insufflation at nine per cent, injection at nine per cent and oral at two per cent.