More than 330 people in BC lost their lives to suspected illicit drug toxicity in August and September

Photo: The Canadian Press

This photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for Utah and introduced as evidence in a 2019 trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills.

The latest stats are out on drug-related deaths in B.C., and the numbers continue to climb.

The BC Coroners Service says 333 lives were lost to suspected illicit drug toxicity in August and September 2021.

That brings the cumulative total so far this year to 1,534 deaths, a new record high and a 24 per cent increase over the 1,240 people who passed away from drug use in the same period of 2020.

August saw 181 reported deaths, and September 152, making it the 12th consecutive month with a toll of at least 150 lives lost.

Both Kelowna and Kamloops have 50 reported deaths so far in 2021, which is down by 10 from last year. Vernon recorded 26, compared to 27 in 2020.

By Local Health Area, the highest rates were in Upper Skeena, Lillooet, Merritt, North Thompson and Hope.

Men are still dying at a higher rate than women, and the rate of those over the age of 50 is also climbing. Males account for 59 per cent of the fatalities. Men over 50 make up 38 per cent.

Most of those succumbing to illicit drug toxicity do so in private homes.
In 2021, 84 per cent occurred inside, with 56 per cent in private residences and 28 per cent in group living arrangements like social and supportive housing or shelters. 14 per cent of deaths occurred outside, either in vehicles, on the street, sidewalk or in parks and green spaces.

The leading killer is fentanyl. It accounts for approximately 84 per cent and toxicology results suggest more cases are due to extreme fentanyl concentrations. Carfentanil has been detected in 137 cases in 2021, up from 65 in 2020.

Deaths due to drug toxicity remain the leading cause of unnatural death in B.C.