In August, another 187 British Columbians lost their lives to toxic drug poisoning, in September, 183 died and so far, in the first nine months of 2024, at least 1,749 have lost their lives.
According to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), this time last year, the toxic drug death count was at 1,896, which means the numbers of fatalities are slightly down in 2024, as compared to 2023.
This represents an 8% decrease since last year.
On Vancouver Island, at least 376 have lost their lives to this crisis—with 43 of those deaths taking place in August and 30 taking place in September.
BCCS says that 48% of toxic drug-use deaths in September were people between the ages of 30 and 49, while 1.1% were 18-years-old and below.
This crisis is impacting men disproportionately with 77% of deaths in September being men. This statistic is up from 74% in 2023.
Greater Victoria had 16 people lose their lives in September alone, and is the third highest number of toxic drug deaths last month.
According to BCCS findings, fentanyl was detected in 85% and stimulants in 81% of toxic drug deaths in September that underwent toxicological testing.
