One person in the East Kootenay and one in the Kootenay Boundary were killed by drug poisoning in February.
This comes as a preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service recorded at least 177 people across the province lost their lives to toxic drugs across the province.
This equates to an average of 6.1 lives lost per day throughout the month.
“The total number of lives lost reflects an 11 per cent decrease from the number investigated by the Coroners Service in February 2023, and a 12 per cent decrease from the number reported in January 2024,” said B.C. officials.
However, February marks the 20th consecutive month with over 175 deaths attributed to toxic drugs.
B.C. officials said toxicology testing has found a volatile and inconsistent drug supply across the province.
“Fentanyl and/or one of its analogues have been identified in about eight out of every 10 test results in 2024, often in combination with cocaine, methamphetamine and/or other substances,” said Coroners Service officials. “Nearly every unregulated drug death is the result of mixed drug toxicity.”
Toxic drugs remain the leading cause of death for British Columbians between 10 and 59 years old.
It accounts for more fatalities than homicides, suicides, accidents and diseases combined.
“The lives of at least 14,208 British Columbians have been lost to unregulated drugs since the public-health emergency was first declared in April 2016,” said B.C. officials.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNow News Alerts.
