Over 1,000 overdose deaths in BC so far this year as toxic drug supply remains 'threat to public health'

Over 1,000 people have died from drug overdoses in British Columbia this year, the BC Coroners Service has announced.

Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said at least 1,011 lives were lost to illegal drugs between January and June in 2021.

In June, 159 people are thought to have died from overdoses in BC – the ninth consecutive month in which at least 150 people have died because of drugs in the province.

The death toll this year is the highest ever recorded over a six-month period, BC Coroners Service explained.

Drug toxicity is the leading cause of death in BC for people aged 19–39. Most victims are men.

"The deaths of more than 1,000 British Columbians in the first six months of 2021 is a tragic reminder that the toxic illicit drug supply remains a significant ongoing threat to public health and safety in communities throughout our province," said Lapointe.

"The data released today highlights the immensity of this public health emergency and the need for a wide-scale response.

“This includes removing barriers to safe supply, ensuring timely access to evidence-based affordable treatment and providing those experiencing problematic substance use with compassionate and viable options to reduce risks and save lives."

The Coroners Service explained that “extreme fentanyl concentrations and carfentanil” have been showing up more frequently in toxicology testing.

Post-mortem testing shows that fentanyl continues to be the substance involved in most drug toxicity deaths – 85% in the first six months of 2021.

Cocaine, methamphetamine and etizolam are also present in significant numbers of deaths, the Coroners Service report explained.

"Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day in which we remember and mourn the family members, friends and neighbours we've lost to drug toxicity," Lapointe added.

"To the thousands of BC families grieving the loss of a beloved family member, I extend my heartfelt condolences and my hope that the stories you've shared will continue to influence positive change.

"Those who died mattered and their loss is felt deeply, and we must continue to urge those in positions of influence across our province and the country to move to urgently implement measures to prevent more unnecessary suffering and death."