138 more British Columbian lives lost due to toxic drug crisis in June

The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) has revealed that another 138 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs this June. 

This figure equates to approximately 4.6 deaths a day.

In total, since the public health crisis was declared in April 2016, this brings the death toll up to 18,655.  

Deaths among British Columbians between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of toxic drug deaths in the first six months of 2026. BCCS noted that 75% of those deaths were among men.

According to BCCS data, 26 of June’s toxic drug deaths occurred on Vancouver Island, bringing the total death toll on the island up to 165. 

This represents the third highest death toll among health authorities, with the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal regions seeing 206 and 200 deaths, respectively. 

So far this year, BCCS says that 81% of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside private residences and other residences, such as social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters and other locations. 

Only 18% occurred outside in places outdoors, such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.

In the first half of 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 67% of decedents who underwent expedited testing, followed by cocaine at 55%, fentanyl at 53%, methamphetamine at 52%, desalkylgidazepam at 23%, bromazolam at 21% and hydromorphone at 5%. 

BCCS noted that smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption among the deceased this year at 68%, followed by nasal insufflation at 11%, injection at 8% and oral consumption at 3%.

“The numbers of toxic drug deaths remain significantly lower than previous years, but any death is a tragic reminder that we cannot let up,” said Ravi Kahlon, the newly appointed Minister of Health.  

“Too many people are using and dying alone, and I urge anyone struggling with their substance use to reach out for help.”

Kahlon noted that there is no single solution to this crisis and that all British Columbians need to look at how they can better support people who are vulnerable, prevent overdoses and create pathways to treatment and recovery in a comprehensive way. 

“Tackling this crisis requires us to work together, listen to communities and find solutions that meet local needs,” said Kahlon. 

“This fight is far from over. We will keep strengthening the services that are saving lives, and doing the work needed to turn the tide on this crisis.”  

Though Kahlon and the BC government remain hopeful about the toxic drug crisis, the BC Green Party pointed to the recently cancelled overdose prevention site in Vancouver as an example of a missed opportunity. 

“Cancelling a planned overdose prevention site won’t make anyone stop using drugs,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. 

“It will simply mean that more people are forced to use alone, without oversight, and without someone there to intervene when things go wrong.”

Botterell added that pushing people from a supervised space onto the street—or behind closed doors—won’t make communities safer.

The site Botterell is referring to was intended to be located at 900 Helmcken in downtown Vancouver. 

It was announced three months ago, but was cancelled by the Province due to public backlash.