B.C. recorded 239 unregulated drug deaths in July and August as crisis persists

British Columbia recorded 239 deaths from unregulated drug toxicity in July and August, the B.C. Coroners Service reported Wednesday, continuing a crisis that has claimed lives across the province since January.

July saw 113 deaths, averaging 3.6 deaths per day. August saw 126 deaths, averaging 4.1 per day. The numbers represent a spike from earlier in the year, though they remain above the lowest counts recorded.

Males accounted for 188 of the 239 deaths in July and August, representing 76% of all unregulated drug deaths year-to-date. The majority of deaths occurred in people aged 30 to 59, accounting for 69% of 2026 deaths. Fraser Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority each reported 68 deaths across both months, representing 54% of all B.C. fatal overdoses since January.

Toxicological testing revealed fluorofentanyl in 68% of overdose deaths, cocaine in 56%, methamphetamine in 53%, and fentanyl in 50%. Desalkylgidazepam was detected in 21% of deaths. Smoking remained the predominant mode of consumption, accounting for 65% of deaths in July and 67% in August.

Private residences were the location of 51% of deaths year-to-date, while 19% occurred outdoors. The Coroners Service noted that data is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.