In April, 31 people in the Fraser Valley were killed by toxic drugs, according to new data from the B.C. Coroners Service (BCCS). This includes 14 in South Fraser, 11 in East Fraser and six in North Fraser. 

Across B.C., 119 people lost their lives to illicit drugs. This is a significant drop compared to the same month last year, when 174 people died of toxic drugs—a more than 30% reduction. 

In the first four months of 2026, B.C. lost 522 people to toxic drugs, including 134 in Fraser Health. This includes 18 in Abbotsford, 10 in Chilliwack, 14 in Langley and 44 in Surrey. Data are not available for all Fraser Health municipalities.

Combined with 145 deaths in Vancouver Coastal Health, the two health authorities accounted for more than half of all drug deaths in the province between January and April.

The death rate for people aged 19 to 59—typically the age grouping with the highest number of drug deaths—has declined significantly since 2021. Deaths among people 60+ have remained “relatively stable,” according to the BCCS.

So far this year, fluorofentanyl—a synthetic opioid that can be twice as potent as fentanyl—has been the substance most commonly linked to drug deaths in B.C., having been detected in 67% of decedents. Cocaine is second, linked to 57% of deaths, and fentanyl is third, linked to 56%. 

This is the first year fentanyl has not been the top substance associated with death in the province. In Fraser Health, fluorofentanyl and methamphetamine were the two most linked to drug deaths.

These statistics are based on expedited drug testing and could change as more testing is completed.

April marked a decade since B.C. declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. More than 18,000 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs since 2016.