March 12,2026
RED FM News Desk
Preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows that 150 people died from toxic drugs in British Columbia in January 2026, averaging nearly five deaths per day. While this represents a 10% decrease from January 2025, the toll remains consistent with monthly figures throughout 2025.
Most victims were men (80%) aged 30 to 59, and fentanyl and its analogues were involved in nearly eight out of ten deaths. Smoking was the most common method of consumption, accounting for almost three-quarters of cases.
The highest number of deaths by health authority occurred in Fraser (42) and Vancouver Coastal (36), while Northern Health (58 per 100,000) and Interior Health (40 per 100,000) reported the highest rates. Certain local health areas, including Vancouver – Centre North, Lillooet, Greater Campbell River, Terrace, and Vancouver – City Centre, were also heavily impacted.
The report notes that figures are preliminary and may change as additional toxicology results and investigations are completed.
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