Data shows significant decline in B.C. drug deaths [Video]

British Columbia has recorded its lowest monthly number of illicit drug overdose deaths in more than four years, part of what the BC Coroners Service says is a “significant decline” in fatalities this year.

A statement from the service says 1,925 people have died in overdoses this year, down nine per cent from the first 10 months of 2023.

The 155 people who died from drug poisoning in October is also a drop from the 183 people who died in September.

The office says it doesn’t have data to suggest why there are fewer deaths, but “it is consistent with reporting from other jurisdictions” and officials are working to understand the change.

Despite the improvement, unregulated toxic drugs remains the leading cause of unnatural death in B.C. for those aged 10 to 59, and account for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined.

The service says 22 per cent of deaths in October were female, and …