Nine people have died in New Westminster of suspected drug toxicity deaths in the first three months of 2022.
Preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service states that 65 British Columbians lost their lives to a toxic drug supply in March 2022.
"It is encouraging to see a decrease in the number of lives lost in February and March relative to previous months, but we know the illicit drug market continues to present enormous risks to our community members," chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a news release. "We encourage people using substances to exercise great care, use only a small amount first, and make sure someone is nearby to provide emergency aid if necessary. The volatile illicit market remains unreliable and unpredictable, and continues to take the lives of loved ones across the province."
In the first three months of 2022, nine people died of illicit drug deaths in New Westminster – five in January, one in February and three in March.
Only Vancouver (137); Surrey (56); Victoria (32); Abbotsford (26); Kamloops (25); Burnaby (19); Prince George (18); Kelowna (17); Langley and Mission (13 each); Nanaimo and Chilliwack (12 each); Maple Ridge (11); and Penticton (10) have recorded more deaths due to toxic drugs in B.C. thus far this year.
The coroners service reports that March marked the 18th consecutive month where toxic drugs have claimed the lives of more than 150 British Columbians. The number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in March 2022 equates to about 5.3 deaths per day.
The coroners service says no deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
A health contact centre, which includes a safe consumption site, drug testing, and other services, opened at 40 Begbie St. in April 2021.
According to the BC Coroners Service, the detection rate of fentanyl and its analogues continues to surge, with 94% of returned samples testing positive in March. Additionally, previously undetected substances, such as flualprazolam, are being found in increasing numbers of test results.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email [email protected]
