Coroner reports decline in toxic drug deaths in B.C. during May and June 

July31,2025

RED FM News Desk

The number of deaths from toxic drugs in British Columbia dropped to under 150 per month in both May and June, marking a decline compared to the same months last year. 

According to a statement from the BC Coroners Service, there were 145 deaths in May, down from 181 in May 2023. In June, the province recorded 147 overdose deaths, compared to 185 during the same month last year. 

The BC Coroners Service and the provincial government have also begun publishing the occupations of those who died, revealing that the most common job categories were in trades, transport, and equipment operation, as well as sales and service. 

The report notes that 69% of drug-toxicity deaths involved adult men aged 30 to 59, and 78% of all deaths were male. Toxicology data shows that fentanyl remains the most frequently detected substance among this year’s deaths, followed by methamphetamine and cocaine. 

According to the statement, 47% of deaths occurred in private residences, while 21% took place outdoors. Smoking remains the most common method of using unregulated toxic drugs, with 64% of cases involving individuals who smoked the substances. 

The Northern Health region has the highest rate of toxic drug deaths, with 44 deaths per 100,000 people, and the cities most affected include Vancouver, Surrey, and Greater Victoria.