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

That brings the total number of toxic drug-related deaths to 39 in Kamloops this year, with only Abbotsford (41), Greater Victoria (67), Surrey (99), and Vancouver (229) recording more such deaths this year.

Across the B.C., the Coroners say there were 195 illicit drug toxicity deaths reported in May – an average of 6.3 deaths per day. It says it was the highest number of deaths ever recorded in the month of May, a 13 per cent increase when compared to the 172 deaths in May last year.

A total of 940 people have died due to toxic drugs in the province this year with only February (199) and January (212) recording more deaths than the 195 in May.

“After a catastrophic 2021, I am saddened to report that we are, once again, on pace to lose a record number of our community members in 2022,” Chief Coroner, Lisa Lapointe said. “The illicit drug supply in this province continues to be volatile and inconsistent, and presents a significant risk to anyone who uses drugs.”

“I strongly urge those purchasing illicit substances to take every available precaution to protect yourself. Please start with a small amount of the drug, and make sure someone is present who can provide naloxone and call for emergency assistance if you experience a negative effect. Your life is at risk.”

The Coroners say since results from the new expedited testing protocol – that were implemented in July 2020 – have found that about 91 per cent of submitted samples have detected fentanyl and/or its analogues, while 44 per cent have detected at least one benzodiazepine.

Additionally, they say etizolam was found in 40 per cent of suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths that have undergone expedited testing between July 2020 and May 2022.

“Every life lost to illicit drugs in our province is a preventable tragedy,” Lapointe added, noting illicit drug toxicity is the leading cause of unnatural death in the province.

She also says there has yet to be a response to the recommendations put forward by the Coroners Service Death Review Panel into Illicit Drug Toxicity deaths in March.

“Recommended actions include a provincial framework for the distribution of safer drug supply, the development of a 30/60/90-day action plan with clear goals, targets and deliverable timeframes for reducing the number of drug toxicity deaths, and completing a framework for establishing a substance-use system of care,” Lapointe said.

Last month, B.C. became the first province to be granted a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to help combat the number of drug overdose deaths in the province, though it does not come into effect until Jan. 31, 2023.

A record 78 people died due to toxic drugs in Kamloops last year, with the City on pace to break that record this year with seven months of data still to come.

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