VICTORIA – In April 2026, 119 people in British Columbia lost their lives to suspected unregulated-drug toxicity according to preliminary data reported by the BC Coroners Service, equating to about four deaths per day.
There were 21 overdose deaths in Prince George during the first four months of the year
In 2026, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 have accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 76% were male.
Since 2021, the death rate among individuals 60 and older has remained relatively stable, while the death rate among those between 19 and 59 has declined significantly over the same period.
By health authority in 2026, the highest number of unregulated-drug deaths were in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser health authorities (145 and 134 deaths respectively), making up 53% of all such deaths.
So far in 2026, 81% of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside in places such as private residences, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancies, shelters and other locations, and 18% occurred outside in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.
In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 67% of decedents who underwent expedited testing, followed by cocaine (57%), fentanyl (56%), methamphetamine (54%), desalkylgidazepam (24%), bromazolam (23%) and hydromorphone (5%). Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption (70%), followed by nasal insufflation (10%), injection (8%) and oral (3%).
It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.