The BC Coroners Service says 138 people died from suspected toxic-drug poisonings in June, a nearly 25 per cent increase from May and an average of about 4.6 deaths per day. The latest preliminary figures represent a nearly 20 per cent increase from May’s toll of 110, the lowest monthly total so far this year, and brings the six-month toxic-drug death toll to 792. The B.C. government declared a public health emergency over the overdose crisis a decade ago, with the number of deaths peaking at more than 2,500 in 2023. So far this year, the coroner’s services says people between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of toxic-drug deaths this year, while men represented 75 per cent of those who have died. The highest numbers of deaths were recorded in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities, with 206 and 200 fatalities respectively, together accounting for more than half of all toxic-drug deaths in the province so far this year. The report follows the province’s announcement Monday that it is cancelling plans to open a new overdose prevention site at 900 Helmcken St., which would have been the only facility of its kind in Vancouver’s downtown core. The coroner’s service says 81 per cent of deaths this year occurred indoors, including 53 per cent in private residences and 28 per cent in locations such as social and supportive housing, single-room occupancy hotels and shelters. Only 18 per cent occurred outdoors, including in vehicles. Fluorofentanyl was detected in 67 per cent of deaths, followed by cocaine at 55 per cent and fentanyl at 53 per cent. Smoking remained the most common mode of drug consumption, accounting for 68 per cent of deaths, followed by nasal insufflation at 11 per cent and injection at eight per cent. The coroner’s service noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed and additional toxicological results are received.
