Preliminary data shows 113 deaths in July and 126 in August 2026 from unregulated drug toxicity in B.C.
Preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows 113 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in July and 126 in August 2026. The numbers may change as more toxicology results arrive and investigations finish.
So far in 2026, males account for 76% of reported deaths and females 24%. People aged 30 to 59 account for 69% of the province's deaths. Fluorofentanyl was found in 68% of unregulated drug deaths and was the most common substance detected in expedited testing.
In July and August, Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health each recorded 68 deaths. Smoking was the most common mode of unregulated drug consumption, accounting for 65% in July and 67% in August.
The cities with the most deaths are Vancouver (237), Surrey (82) and Greater Victoria (80). So far in 2026, 51% of deaths occurred in private residences and 19% outdoors.
What it means for you:You can find mental health and substance use supports at helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/ and information from the BC Centre on Substance Use at http://www.bccsu.ca. No action is needed at this time.
Source: BC Gov News: BC Coroners Service releases July, August drug-toxicity death findings