East Kootenay records two drug deaths in September

The BC Coroners Service says two unregulated drug toxicity deaths were reported in the East Kootenay and three in the Kootenay Boundary in September, according to its latest preliminary data.

In 2026, there have been 11 drug-related deaths reported in the East Kootenay, while 2025 showed a total of 16. In the Kootenay Boundary, 24 drug-related deaths have been reported so far in 2026, with 31 reported for the year 2025.

Across British Columbia, 133 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in September. That equates to approximately four deaths per day throughout the province and amounts to 1,143 deaths in 2026.

In 2026, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 70 per cent of drug-toxicity deaths in BC, and 76 per cent were male.

Unregulated drug deaths by age group. (Image Credit: BC Coroners) Service)

Data across B.C. in 2026 reveals that 78 per cent of unregulated drug-toxicity deaths occurred inside, in places such as private residences, social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, hotels and other locations.

Twenty per cent of deaths have occurred outside, in places such as vehicles, sidewalks, streets, campgrounds and parks.

In 2026, fluorofentanyl was detected in 68 per cent of decedents who underwent expedited toxicological testing, followed by cocaine (55 per cent), methamphetamine (53 per cent), fentanyl (50 per cent) and desalkylgidazepam (20 per cent).

Smoking continues to be the most common mode of consumption in 2026 (67 per cent) among unregulated drug-related deaths.

Data from the report are preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.

To read the full report, click here.