Death toll of toxic drugs in BC reaches nearly 300 in just May and June

The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has revealed that over the past two months alone, 292 British Columbians have died from toxic drug use. At least 145 died in May, and preliminary data shows that 147 died in June. 

So far this year, 915 BC residents have died from toxic drug use. 

Furthermore, at least 17,250 British Columbians have died of drug-use since the public health emergency regarding toxic substances was initiated in 2016. 

This health emergency impacts men between the ages of 30 and 59-years-old most profoundly, according to the BCCS. That age range accounted for 68% of the deaths and 78% of the deceased were reportedly male. 

This year’s deaths, broken down by health authority, show the highest number of toxic-drug deaths were in Fraser Health, with 269 deaths; Vancouver Coastal Health, with 238 deaths; Interior Health, with 178 deaths; Island Health, with 163 deaths; and lastly, Northern Health, with 67 deaths.

Fraser and Vancouver Coastal accounted for 55% of all the deaths in 2025 so far. 

As for cities with the most toxic drug deaths, Victoria remains in third, just behind Vancouver and Surrey. 

BCCS says that fentanyl continues to be the most prolific substance detected in decedents in expedited toxicological testing. 

So far, in 2025, 70% of decedents were found to have fentanyl in their systems, with the next highest testing drugs were methamphetamine, at 52% and cocaine, at 51%. 

Additionally, BCCS say that the number of deaths where carfentanil (essentially very strong, toxic fentanyl) was detected has increased in recent months.

To help build on ways to curb drug-use and initiate early intervention of toxic drug use, BCCS has started to record the occupations of those who have died, when known. 

Thus far, their data shows that the two most common industries worked in by those who have died of toxic drug use are trades, transport and equipment operators, followed by those who work in sales and service.