BC Coroners Service reports no drug toxicity deaths in August

The BC Coroners Service says no unregulated drug toxicity deaths were reported in the East Kootenay or Kootenay Boundary in August, according to its latest preliminary data.

Across British Columbia, 113 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in July and 126 died in August.

Of the deaths reported in July and August, 188 were male and 51 were female. So far in 2026, males have accounted for 76 per cent of the unregulated drug toxicity deaths reported to BCCS, while females have accounted for 24 per cent.

Unregulated Drug Deaths per Day by Month. (Image Credit: BCCS)

People between the ages of 30 and 59 have accounted for 69 per cent of the province’s unregulated drug toxicity deaths in 2026.

The Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities each recorded 68 deaths in July and August, the highest totals in B.C. Together, the two regions have accounted for 54 per cent of the province’s unregulated drug toxicity deaths in 2026.

So far in 2026, nine unregulated drug toxicity deaths have been reported in the East Kootenay and 23 in the Kootenay Boundary.

Unregulated Drug Deaths by HSDA Injury on a yearly basis. (Image Credit: BCCS)

Fluorofentanyl has been the most detected substance in expedited toxicological testing in 2026, appearing in 68 per cent of unregulated drug toxicity deaths. Cocaine was detected in 56 per cent of cases, followed by methamphetamine at 53 per cent, fentanyl at 50 per cent and desalkylgidazepam at 21 per cent.

Evidence of smoking was found in 65 per cent of unregulated drug toxicity deaths in July and 67 per cent in August, making it the most common mode of consumption reported in both months.

BCCS says the figures are preliminary and may change as additional toxicology results are received and investigations are completed.

To view the full report from the BCCS, click here.

Unregulated Drug Deaths by HSDA Injury in 2026. (Image Credit: BCCS)