10 more unregulated drug deaths in Prince George area

PRINCE GEORGE— The B.C. Coroners Service has released new data on the toxic drug crisis showcasing 76 deaths in the Prince George region from January until the end of October – up 10 from the end of September.

Toxicological testing shows that illicit fentanyl and it’s analogues are present in three quarters of all overdose deaths in the Northern region. Smoking is still the main form of consumption related to overdose deaths.

The Northern Interior reports some of the highest rates of toxic drug death in the province alongside Vancouver Central Vancouver Island, North Vancouver Island and Thompson Cariboo Shuswap.

Earlier in November 2023, Northern Health issued a toxic drug alert linked to a dark purple substance sold as “down”. This substance is causing slow, irregular breathing needing naloxone despite being awake. Individuals are requiring continued monitoring and encouragement to breathe.