Toxic drugs claim 161 more lives in B.C.

Toxic street drugs claimed 161 lives in B.C. in April.

In its monthly update, the B.C. Coroners Service said that equates to an average of just over five deaths per day.

Vernon has had 11 drug-related fatalities this year after 42 all of last year.

Kelowna had recorded 24 illicit drug deaths, after 74 in 2021.

With 722 deaths in B.C. over the first four months of this year, the Coroners Service said deaths linked to illicit drug use surpassed the number of deaths caused by homicides, crashes, drownings, suicides and fires combined.

“Coroners’ investigations continue to document the volatility and inconsistency of the illicit drug supply in our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “The reality is that every time someone uses drugs purchased from the unregulated market, their life is at risk. Until a safer, regulated supply is widely accessible, I encourage those using drugs to use only in the presence of someone who can provide help and call for medical assistance if that’s required.”

While men have historically accounted for nearly 80 per cent of illicit drug deaths, more than 26 per cent of the deaths in April were female, continuing a shifting trend that began earlier in the year.

The median age of decedents between March 2020 and February 2022 was 44, but deaths in older age categories continue to increase, as 38 per cent of the 2022 victims were at least 50.

This year, 84 per cent of illicit drug toxicity deaths occurred inside (57 per cent in private residences and 27 per cent in other residences, including social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, hotels and other indoor locations) and 14 per cent occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets, parks, etc.

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said her heart grieves for the 161 people who lost their lives to the poisoned drug supply in April.

She said one of the reasons that people continue to die is the stigma that surrounds addictions and substance use.

“That’s why decriminalization is a critical step in B.C.’s fight against the toxic drug crisis. It will break down the barriers that prevent people from getting life-saving supports, while interrupting the cycle of drug criminalization and poverty,” the minister said.

Starting in January, drug users in B.C. who possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit drugs for personal use will not be arrested or charged.