February, March Unregulated Drug Toxicity Data Released

The BC Coroners Service says, according to preliminary data, 132 people in February and 143 people in March died due to unregulated drug toxicity.

That’s 4.7 and 4.6 deaths per day.

In the first three months of 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 67% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 76% were male.

March marks the sixth consecutive month in which the number of deaths reported was below 160.

By health authority in 2025, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (141 and 114 deaths, respectively), making up 60% of all such deaths during 2025.

Consistent with reporting throughout the public-health emergency, fentanyl continues to be the most common substance detected in toxicological testing, at 70%.

The data suggests smoking, at 62%, continues to be the primary mode of consumption of unregulated toxic drugs.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.