Drug Toxicity Crisis in B.C.: 138 Deaths Reported in June 2026

Suspected unregulated drug toxicity claimed 138 lives in British Columbia in June 2026, according to preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service. That works out to approximately 4.6 deaths per day.

During the first six months of 2026, people between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of all drug-toxicity deaths in the province, while 75% of those who died were male.

The Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities recorded the highest numbers of unregulated drug deaths in 2026, with 206 and 200 deaths respectively. Together, they accounted for 52% of all such deaths in the province.

So far this year, 81% of unregulated drug deaths occurred indoors. About 53% took place in private residences, while another 28% occurred in other residential settings, including social and supportive housing, single-room occupancy facilities, shelters and other locations. The remaining 18% of deaths occurred outdoors, including in vehicles, on sidewalks and streets, and in parks.