Preliminary data by the BC Coroners Services reveals there were 138 deaths due to suspected unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during June, equating to approximately 4.6 deaths a day.
In the first six months of 2026, deaths among people between 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 75 per cent were male.
According to the health authority in 2026, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (206 and 200 deaths, respectively), making up 52 per cent of all such deaths.
Unregulated Drug Deaths and Death Rate per 100,000 Population. (Image Credit: BC Coroners Service)
In the Interior region, unregulated drug deaths rose from 18 in May to 31 in June.
In the East Kootenay region, there were two unregulated drug deaths in 2015 and seven so far in 2026.
Monthly data shows one death in June 2025 and two in June 2026. East Kootenay reported no unregulated drug deaths in March, April or May of this year.
Over the past decade, Fernie reported two unregulated drug deaths in 2016, two in 2025 and none so far this year.
Cranbrook reported two deaths in 2016, 10 in 2025 and six in 2026. Kimberley reported three in 2016 and none in 2025 or 2026.
Windermere reported four deaths in 2016, none in 2025 and one so far this year, while Creston reported one in 2016, three in 2025 and none in 2026.
Unregulated Drug Deaths by LHA of Injury 2016 – 2025. (Image Credit: BC Coroners Service)
So far across B.C. in 2026, 81 per cent of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside in places such as private residences (53 per cent) and other residences such as social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters and other locations (28 per cent), and 18 per cent occurred outside in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.
In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 67 per cent of decedents who underwent expedited testing, followed by cocaine (55 per cent), fentanyl (53 per cent), methamphetamine (52 per cent), desalkylgidazepam (23 per cent), bromazolam (21 per cent) and hydromorphone (5 per cent).
Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption (68 per cent), followed by nasal insufflation (11 per cent), injection (8 per cent) and oral (3 per cent).
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.
To learn more about drug toxicity deaths in June 2026, click here.
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