September 3,2025
RED FM News Desk
Health authorities have reported a surge in drug overdoses across the Lower Mainland, with B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) seeing a 50 per cent increase in 911 calls for overdoses during the last week of August compared to the previous week.
The B.C. Coroners Service told CTV News that there was no corresponding rise in suspected drug toxicity deaths during that period, though the overall trend has been creeping upward after months of decline. Overdose-related calls in late August were 28 per cent higher than the last week of July and 16 per cent higher than August 2024. BCEHS paramedics responded to 1,203 overdose calls in the last week of August, up from 785 the week before.
Drug testing in Vancouver Coastal Health found benzodiazepine and a fentanyl analog precursor in triangular white tablets sold as hydromorphone, while a Fraser Health bulletin warned that “carfentanil is re-emerging in B.C.’s drug supply.” Carfentanil is “primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals and is not intended for use in humans,” the bulletin noted.
“That’s a particular concern because it is so potent, and Alberta has recently seen an increase in both overdose events and deaths,” said Crabtree. “Higher doses may require additional doses of Naloxone.” Interior Health has also issued overdose alerts for Vernon and Trail.
Many toxic drug deaths occur in the victim’s own home, affecting people from all walks of life, with men far more likely than women to die. Health officials have long encouraged the public to take free training on using Naloxone, an overdose antidote effective against opioids such as fentanyl, methadone, and heroin.
The vast majority of illicit drug toxicity deaths happen when people use alone, as there is no one to call 911, officials emphasized.
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