Thirteen people died from illicit drug overdoses in Okanagan in March
Most deaths involved people aged 30 to 59, and fluorofentanyl was detected in 66% of cases, the coroner said.
- On Wednesday, the British Columbia Coroners Service reported 135 people died from suspected unregulated drug poisoning in March, an increase from 115 deaths the previous month.
- This update arrives one month after British Columbia marked 10 years since declaring a public health emergency, with more than 18,000 lives lost to the crisis since April 2016.
- Data shows 82% of deaths occurred inside locations like private residences and social housing, while 78% of total deaths were male and 68% of those who died were aged 30 to 59.
- Testing revealed fluorofentanyl in 66% of deaths undergoing expedited testing, followed by fentanyl at 59%, and smoking remains the most common mode of consumption at 72%.
- Vancouver recorded 96 deaths this year, while Kelowna saw 24 of the 65 fatalities reported in the Interior Health authority; advocates urge expanded harm reduction services.
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The Toronto Star
B.C. drug deaths up in March from the month before, but down from previous years
VICTORIA - British Columbia's coroners' service says 135 people died in March due to suspected unregulated drug poisoning, up from 115 people the month before.
Thirteen people died from illicit drug overdoses in Okanagan in March
Thirteen people died from illicit drug overdoses in the Okanagan in March, more than double the month prior. The BC Coroners Service released its latest report on overdose deaths in the province on Wednesday, showing 135 people died across the province in March. This is 19 more than in February, whi...
135 people died from toxic drugs in B.C. in March - Grand Forks Gazette
More than 100 people died from suspected toxic drugs in B.C. in March, the latest B.C. Coroners Service data shows. There were 135 deaths in March, equating to roughly 4.4 deaths per day, the May 13 update from the coroner shows. It’s a small increase from February when there were 116 deaths, averaging about 4.1 deaths daily. There have been 401 deaths in the first three months of 2026. So far this year, 68 per cent of deaths have been among peo…
135 people died from toxic drugs in B.C. in March - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
More than 100 people died from suspected toxic drugs in B.C. in March, the latest B.C. Coroners Service data shows. There were 135 deaths in March, equating to roughly 4.4 deaths per day, the May 13 update from the coroner shows. It’s a small increase from February when there were 116 deaths, averaging about 4.1 deaths daily. There have been 401 deaths in the first three months of 2026. So far this year, 68 per cent of deaths have been among peo…
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