Close to 500 British Columbians lost to toxic illicit drugs in the first three months of 2021

As in previous months, the drug supply continues to be volatile in terms of variability and toxicity. Carfentanil was detected in 18 deaths in March, bringing the total number of carfentanil-related deaths in 2021 to 48. For comparison, carfentanil was detected in 65 deaths between January and December 2020. Additionally, the detection rate of benzodiazepines has increased from 15 per cent of samples in July 2020 to 51 per cent of samples in February 2021.

Additional key preliminary findings are below. Data are subject to change:

* The number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in March 2021 was about 5.1 deaths per day.

* In 2021, 69 per cent of those deaths were aged 30 to 59.

* Males accounted for 80 per cent of deaths in 2021.

* By health authority, the highest death rates in 2021 are in Northern Health (57 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Vancouver Coastal Health (45 per 100,000).

* No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

“Once again, we are reminded of the incredible toll that the toxic drug emergency is having on communities throughout our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, BC Coroners Service. “The illicit drug supply in British Columbia is volatile and unpredictable, and anyone using a substance from this unregulated market is vulnerable to serious injury or death.”

by Randi-Marie Adams

Close to 500 British Columbians lost to toxic illicit drugs in the first three months of 2021

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