Rate of illicit drug overdose deaths in B.C. down in 1st quarter of 2019

Illicit drug deaths dropped 32 per cent in B.C. through the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period a year earlier, according tonew statisticsreleased by the B.C. Coroners Service.

The average number ofdeaths per month in January, February and March of this year fell to 89, down from 132 in 2018.

The opioidfentanyland its analogues continueto be a major concern, having been detected inapproximately 85 per cent of the 227 illicit drug deaths recorded in the year's first quarter.

Other key findings show that carfentanil, a much more potent form of fentanyl,continues to be a growing concern. It was found in 28.1 per cent of all fentanyl-detected deaths.

Males continue to account for the majority of the illicit drug deaths four out of fivein the first quarter of 2019 whiletwo-thirds of those who diedwere aged 30-59.

Nearly nine in every 10 illicit drug deaths occurred indoors, more than half in private residences.

The B.C. Coroners Service said no deaths happened at safe consumption sites.

Datain the report is subject to change as investigations are concluded.