New preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows there were another seven illicit drug toxicity deaths in Kamloops in April.

That brings the total number of toxic drug-related deaths to 32 in Kamloops this year, the same as Abbotsford with only Vancouver (171), Surrey (77), and Victoria (49) recording more such deaths through the first four months of the year.

Across the province, the Coroners say there were 161 illicit drug toxicity deaths reported in April – an average of about 5.4 a day – taking the total on the year to 722 people. April, they say, was the 19th consecutive month where more than 150 British Columbians died due to toxic drugs.

“Coroners’ investigations continue to document the volatility and inconsistency of the illicit drug supply in our province,” B.C.’s Chief Coroner, Lisa Lapointe, said. “The reality is that every time someone uses drugs purchased from the unregulated market, their life is at risk.”

“Until a safer, regulated supply is widely accessible, I encourage those using drugs to use only in the presence of someone who can provide help and call for medical assistance if that’s required.”

The Coroners say more than 26 per cent of those who died in April were female, continuing a shifting trend that began earlier in the year.

Data released Thursday shows the detection rate of benzodiazepines went from 15 per cent of samples in July 2020 to 45 per cent of samples in April 2022. During that same time frame, they say etizolam was found in 40 per cent of illicit drug toxicity deaths that have undergone expedited toxicological testing.

Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue and non-opioid sedative that does not respond to naloxone and creates life-saving challenges for first responders.

“BC Coroners Service data for the first four months of 2022 shows us that our province is on the path to yet another tragic milestone in terms of lives lost,” Lapointe added.

“Anyone using illicit substances, whether they are regular or occasional drug users and whether they know their dealer or not, is currently at risk from the unpredictable, unregulated supply.”

Last week, B.C. became the first province to be granted a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to remove criminal penalties for people who possess a small amount of some illicit hard drugs for personal use.

It is an effort to help combat the number of drug overdose deaths we continue to see in this province, however it does not come into effect until Jan. 31, 2023.

You’ll find the latest data from the BC Coroners Service here.