Extreme fentanyl continues to push B.C. drug deaths

B.C. recorded 147 drug overdose deaths last month, which was 29 fewer than in July 2020, but up 71 per cent from August 2019 (86).

The province has seen six consecutive months with over 100 overdose deaths.

“Once again, post-mortem toxicology testing data published in this most recent report suggests an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations (exceeding 50 micrograms per litre) in April, May, June, July and August 2020 compared with previous months,” said the report from the BC Coroner’s Service. “From April to August 2020, approximately 14 per cent of illicit drug deaths showed signs of extreme fentanyl concentrations compared with eight per cent from January 2019 to March 2020.”

Males have accounted for 81 per cent of the 1,068 overdose deaths this year.