It was another tough year in the Tournament Capital when it comes to the toxic drug crisis in 2024.

Kamloops suffered its second-deadliest year on record with 90 deaths due to toxic drugs. That’s just two deaths shy of the 92 that Kamloops experienced during its deadliest year in 2022.

Across the province there was a significant decrease in the number of deaths from toxic drugs.

While the toxic, unregulated supply of illicit drugs killed 2,253 people last year, that number represents 13% fewer fatalities in 2024 and a lower annual total than any of the previous three years.

Health Minister Josie Osborne, in a statement responding to the data, noted the decrease. “This in no way diminishes grief that permeates our communities. The BC government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing.”

Data from November and December of 2024, show 152 deaths and 147, respectively across BC.

Fentanyl continues to be detected in more than 80 per cent of deaths, and smoking is the most common mode of consumption.

Toxic drugs continue to be the number one cause of unnatural death in the province. Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, more than 16,000 people have died.

The provincial dashboard can be access here.