Tradesworkers and equipment operators are among the most likely to die from toxic drugs in the province, according to new data from the BC Coroners Service (BCCS).
The BCCS report for May and June shows that 292 people died of unregulated toxic drugs since April.
Now included in the service’s periodic reports are statistics on the confirmed occupations of the deceased.
The majority — 55 per cent — are unknown. But in 2024, 22 per cent were listed as belonging to the trades, transport, and/or equipment operators industries.
People who worked in the sales or services industry made up 10 per cent of the deaths in 2024.
The report says deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 in 2025 accounted for 69 per cent, and 78 per cent were male.
In 2025, most have died in their homes, as opposed to outdoors, in Vancouver, Surrey, or Greater Victoria, and from smoking the unregulated toxic drug.
Related:
April marked the end of a downward trend in toxic drug deaths after six consecutive months of reporting fewer than 160 deaths per month.
In May and June, 4.7 and 4.9 people died per day, respectively.
