Toxic Drugs Claim 4 Lives Daily in B.C. During February
New data from the B.C. Coroners Service show 115 people died from toxic drugs in February 2026. Toxic Drugs Claim 4 Lives Daily in B.C. During February, the report added.
Monthly figures
The February total dropped from 150 deaths recorded in January. That translates to about 4.1 deaths per day in February, down from 4.8 in January.
Demographics
People aged 30 to 59 accounted for 69 percent of fatal overdoses in February. Men made up 78 percent of fatalities that month.
Where deaths occurred
Across January and February 2026, 81 percent of unregulated drug deaths occurred indoors. Those indoor sites included private residences, social and supportive housing, single-room occupancy units and shelters.
Eighteen percent of deaths happened outside. Recorded outdoor settings included vehicles, sidewalks, streets and parks.
Regional distribution
Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities recorded the highest numbers. They logged 62 and 74 deaths respectively, together making up 51 percent of fatal overdoses.
Toxicology and consumption
In expedited toxicology testing for 2026, stimulants were the most commonly detected substances. Stimulants appeared in 83 percent of those tested.
- Fentanyl and analogues: 80 percent.
- Benzodiazepines: 36 percent.
Smoking remained the most common mode of consumption at 71 percent. Nasal insufflation and injection each accounted for nine percent, and oral use made up two percent.
The B.C. Coroners Service released the monthly figures on April 15, 2026. Filmogaz.com compiled this summary from the official data.
