‘Driven by unregulated fentanyl’: Toxic drugs claim over 2,500 lives across BC in 2023

A tragic and record-breaking number of lives were lost due to toxic, unregulated drugs in BC last year. 

The BC Coroners Service announced on Wednesday, January 24th that in 2023, at least 2,511 lives were lost due to this issue. Since the public health emergency was issued by the Province in April 2016, this marks the most drug-related fatalities in one year to date. 

“Tragically, toxic, illicit drugs are continuing to cause unprecedented numbers of deaths across our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, Chief Coroner. 

“This crisis, driven primarily by unregulated fentanyl, has cost our province dearly in the loss of much-loved and valued members of our communities.”

“We cannot bring our deceased loved ones back, but we can and must do much more to protect the lives of tens of thousands of our family members, friends and colleagues still at risk,” she continued. 

In 2022, the previous highest number of drug-death fatalities was set at 2,383. This means in 2023, an additional 128 people lost their lives, shattering the former record.

In Victoria, the numbers are marginally lower than last year’s 171 deaths at 168 deaths occurring in 2023. 

There was an average death rate of 6.9 deaths per day in 2023 due to toxic drugs. 

Statistics show that around 70% of these deaths were in those aged between 30 and 59-years-old and approximately 75% of those who are now deceased were men. 

Per 100,000 British Columbians, around 45.7 succumbed to this health crisis. 

Despite most age groups increasing across the board, the BC Coroners Service did say that in youths and the 19 to 29-year-old age group, there was a slight decline in fatalities. 

According to the Province, the Port Alberni/Clayoquot (and Greater Campbell River areas on Vancouver Island were among the highest in rate of death across BC. 

The BC Coroners Service says that Illicit fentanyl continues to be the driver of the toxic-drug crisis, appearing in around 85% of toxicology reports of those who died last year. 

Because of the unprecedented fatality rate of this issue over the last several years, toxic drugs continue to be the leading cause of deaths in British Columbians in those between ages 10 and 50-years-old.

Those deceased because of this health crisis account for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined. 

To date, at least 13,794 drug-deaths have occurred since April 2016. 

“As we approach the eighth anniversary of the declaration of the public-health emergency that has cost so many lives across BC, our province needs a co-ordinated, evidence-based response that is commensurate with the scale of this health crisis,” Lapointe said. 

“Deaths due to drug toxicity are preventable, and I urge our political leaders at all levels to collaborate on a thoughtful, comprehensive plan that puts people first.”