Campbell River RCMP are warning residents after a significant increase in suspected overdose deaths in the community.
Police report that at least 11 people have died in the last five weeks, raising concerns about the dangerous drug supply on northern Vancouver Island.
“We are deeply concerned by the sharp increase in overdose fatalities,” said Insp. Jeff Preston, detachment commander of the Campbell River RCMP.
“Each of these deaths represents a person with family, friends, and a future and we do not want to see this tragic trend continue.”
The detachment is working with Island Health and other local health authorities to share harm reduction information.
Officials urge anyone who uses drugs or has loved ones who do to take extra precautions. This includes carrying naloxone, avoiding using alone, and testing substances when possible.
“Our priority is to prevent further loss of life,” Preston added. “We are asking the public to share this message widely and help keep our community safe.”
The warning comes as concerns grow about the toxic drug crisis across BC.
In August, the BC Coroners Service reported that 292 people died from toxic drug use in May and June alone. So far in 2025, 915 British Columbians have died from overdoses, making the total number of deaths since the public health emergency was declared in 2016 exceed 17,250.
Island Health has also issued several advisories this month, including one for the Greater Campbell River area on September 18th and another last week for Greater Victoria.
Both advisories noted a higher risk of harm related to unregulated substances.
Health officials continue to emphasize that fentanyl is the main cause of overdose deaths, with detections of carfentanil also increasing.
Men aged 30 to 59 remain the most affected group, according to coroners’ data.
Island Health encourages people who use drugs to take steps to reduce their risk, including accessing supervised consumption sites, using drug-checking services, and signing up for overdose text alerts by texting “JOIN” to 253787.
