B.C. drug deaths up in March from the month before, but down from previous years

Supporters gather for the Sadness and Rage rally to mark the 10th anniversary of the declaration of the public health emergency for the overdose crisis in the province at the legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s coroners’ service says 135 people died in March due to suspected unregulated drug poisoning, up from 115 people the month before.

The figures have been ticking down over the last two years, with drug toxicity killing at least 192 people in March 2024.

But the latest toll still equates to about 4.4 deaths per day.

A joint statement from the BC Coroners Service and Public Safety Ministry says the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities have seen the highest numbers of deaths investigated so far this year at 101 and 107, respectively.

Deaths among people between the ages of 30 and 59 make up 68 per cent of those who died, while 78 per cent of total deaths were male.

The figures come about a month after B.C. marked 10 years since the province declared a public health emergency over the overdose crisis that has since claimed more than 18,000 lives in the province.

The provincial statement says 82 per cent of the deaths this year have happened inside places such as private homes, shelters and social and supportive housing, while 17 per cent were outside or in vehicles.

In 2026, it says fluorofentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, was detected in 66 per cent of those who died and underwent expedited testing, followed by fentanyl at 59 per cent, cocaine at 56 per cent and methamphetamine at 54 per cent, among other substances.

Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption for the deaths at 72 per cent, the statement says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press