Another 135 British Columbians lost their lives to toxic drugs in March 2026

The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has revealed that at least 135 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs in March. 

Of those 135 deaths, 31 died on Vancouver Island and 14 died within Greater Victoria. 

Since April 2016, when the public health crisis was declared in BC regarding toxic drug deaths, at least 18,424 have died. 

According to BCCS, in 2026, deaths among those aged 30 to 59 accounted for 68% of toxic drug deaths, with 78% being male.

By health authority, the highest number of deaths were in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities—101 and 107 deaths, respectively. This accounts for 52% of all toxic drug deaths.

Most of the victims of these deaths were located in places such as private residences, social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters and other locations, at 82%. 

BCCS added that 17% of toxic drug deaths occurred outside in places like vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.

So far this year, 66% of deaths involved fluorofentanyl, the most commonly found drug in decedents’ systems. 

Fluorofentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid and a fentanyl analogue. It is structurally similar to fentanyl with an added fluorine atom. 

It is a dangerous substance and is generally considered to have a potency similar to or slightly lower than fentanyl, though can sometimes be up to two times stronger.

Following the prevalence of fluorofentanyl was fentanyl at 59%, cocaine at 56%, methamphetamine at 54%, bromazolam at 24%, desalkylgidazepam at 24% and hydromorphone at 5%. 

BCCS reporting also shows that smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption at 72%, followed by nasal insufflation at 8%, injection at 7% and oral at 4%.