BC reports nearly 240 toxic drug deaths in July and August

The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) is reporting 113 deaths in July, and 126 in August due to unregulated drug toxicity—a total of 239. 

This brings the total death toll since the public health crisis was declared in April 2016 up to at least 18,894.  

Over the past two months, 188 drug deaths were among men and 51 were women. 

BCCS says that so far in 2026, men account for 76% of unregulated drug deaths and women make up 24%.

Furthermore, those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 69% of drug deaths in BC this year.

On Vancouver Island, 40 people died from toxic drug use in July and August—17 of whom died in Greater Victoria. 

So far in 2026, there have been at least 80 toxic drug deaths in the capital region. 

This year, fluorofentanyl has become the most common substance detected in decedents’ toxicological testing. 

The substance was discovered in 68% of unregulated drug deaths, followed by cocaine in 56%, methamphetamine in 53%, fentanyl in 50% and desalkylgidazepam in 21%.

BCCS says that smoking was the most common mode of consuming toxic drugs.

They also noted that 51% of deaths occurred in private residences so far this year, as compared to 19% of deaths occurring outdoors.

No statement was offered on behalf of the BC government regarding these recent death numbers.