158 people died from toxic drugs in September, 1,384 total deaths reported this year

The BC Coroners Service has shared statistics on the number of deaths caused by unregulated toxic drugs in the province for the month of September.

In September, 158 people lost their lives due to toxic drugs. The number of such drug-related deaths has increased in September compared to July and August. In July, the number of deaths related to unregulated drugs was reported to be 153 and in August, the number was 149.

So far in the year 2025, the number of such deaths has reached a total of 1,384. In the month of September alone, on average, more than 5 people lost their lives every day due to toxic drugs.

Statistics show that like in the past few years, this year too, people between the ages of 30 and 59 have fallen victim to toxic drugs in increasing numbers. While this age group accounts for 69% of all deaths, 78% of these deaths are reported to be male.

So far this year, the number of such deaths has reached 314 in Vancouver, 137 in Surrey and 93 in Greater Victoria.

In 2025, the number of deaths of people aged 18 and under due to unregulated toxic drugs reached 20.

In 2024, the total number of toxic drugs related deaths was reported to be 2,312.

B.C. declared a public health emergency in 2016 due to toxic drug-related deaths. Since then, more than 16,000 people have died from toxic drugs.

However, this year's figures show a slight decline compared to the past two years and officials say their efforts to save lives are ongoing.