B.C. drug deaths rebound from May to June, but still down sharply from peak

Deaths in British Columbia due to unregulated drugs have rebounded from May to June but remain sharply down from their peak three years ago.

The BC Coroners Service says there were 138 deaths in June, up 25 per cent from 110 deaths a month earlier, but down by about a third from June in 2023.

There were 776 deaths in the first half of this year, down 40 per cent from the same period three years ago, and in line with declines occurring across North America.

The Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities recorded the highest numbers of deaths, making up more than half of unregulated drug deaths so far this year.