Preliminary figures released Wednesday show six people in Kamloops had died from suspected unregulated drug toxicity by the end of March, up from three deaths recorded through February. Despite the increase, the city remains on track for its lowest annual toll since 2015 if the current pace continues.

The six deaths recorded so far in 2026 are well below recent yearly totals. Kamloops saw 54 toxic-drug deaths in 2025 and a record 92 deaths in 2022 during the height of the province’s overdose crisis.

At the current rate of roughly two deaths per month, Kamloops would finish 2026 with about 24 deaths — the lowest total in more than 10 years.

The decline comes as communities across B.C. continue to grapple with the ongoing toxic-drug emergency. Provincewide, the BC Coroners Service reported 135 suspected unregulated drug deaths in March, equivalent to about 4.4 deaths per day. The year-to-date provincial total now sits at 401 deaths.

Among similarly sized B.C. cities, Chilliwack has recorded nine toxic-drug deaths so far this year, while Prince George has seen 19 and Nanaimo has reported 23.

Across the province, adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of deaths in 2026, while men represented 78% of fatalities.

The BC Coroners Service said most deaths continue to happen indoors, with 82% occurring in private residences, supportive housing, shelters and similar locations. Another 17% occurred outdoors in places such as vehicles, streets and parks.

Toxicology data also continues to show an increasingly unpredictable illicit drug supply. Fluorofentanyl was detected in 66% of expedited tests conducted this year, followed by fentanyl in 59% of cases. Cocaine and methamphetamine were also commonly found.

Smoking remained the most common mode of consumption, accounting for 72% of deaths, followed by nasal insufflation, injection and oral consumption.

The BC Coroners Service noted the March figures are preliminary and could change as investigations and toxicology testing are completed.