The BC Coroners Service has released troubling statistics, revealing that 158 individuals lost their lives in September due to unregulated drug toxicity. This marks an increase from the 150 deaths reported in August and represents a notable surge in fatalities since May.
Throughout September, an average of 5.3 individuals succumbed to unregulated drug toxicity each day in British Columbia. Fentanyl and its analogues remain the primary substances linked to these tragic deaths in 2025, accounting for 84% of cases, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine.
Notably, smoking emerged as the predominant method of drug use, comprising 65% of cases. The cities most heavily impacted by toxic drug deaths this year were Vancouver, recording 314 fatalities, followed by Surrey with 137 deaths and Greater Victoria with 93.
It’s important to note that these figures are preliminary and subject to change as investigations progress.