The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has revealed that at least 158 British Columbians have died of toxic drug use this September as the public health crisis continues.
So far this year, 1,384 British Columbians have died of toxic drug use and 17,710 have died since the declaration of the public health crisis regarding toxic drug deaths in 2016.
According to BCCS, at least 93 people in Greater Victoria have died of drug use in 2025, with 11 of these recorded deaths taking place in September.
Island Health has seen the third most toxic drug deaths of all BC’s health authorities, with 257 so far this year.
In 2025, BCCS reports that 69% of toxic drug deaths happened among those aged between 30 and 59-years-old, and 78% were men.
“Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing,” wrote BCCS in a media release.
“Decedents who underwent expedited testing in 2025 were found to have fentanyl or fentanyl analogues in their systems (84%), followed by cocaine (52%) and methamphetamine (51%).”
BCCS noted that at least 20 youths have succumbed to toxic drug deaths in 2025 so far, which is up from last year’s total of 17.
Additionally, 48% of deaths occurred indoors in a private residence, in contrast to the 21% that occurred outdoors.
Thus far, BCCS data shows that the most common industries worked in by those who have died are the trades, transport and equipment operators, followed by those who work in sales and service.
