8 die from toxic drug poisoning in East Kootenay so far in 2025: BCCS

New data released by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) shows a steady number of East Kootenay drug deaths in the first half of 2025 compared to last year. 

Eight people have died from unregulated drug poisoning between January and June this year, down by one from the same time in 2024. One of those deaths was located in Fernie, while another three were found in Cranbrook. 

A total of 915 lives were lost across the province since January 1st– a 21 per cent decrease from figures in 2024. 

“Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing,” wrote the Coroners Service. “The number of deaths where carfentanil was detected has increased in recent months.”

Interior Health issued a warning about toxic drug supply in Cranbrook and the surrounding areas in late June.

Smoking is still the main mode of unregulated drug use, with nearly two-thirds of investigations indicating the deceased smoked their substances. 

More details are available online through the BCCS website.