(Image credit: BC Coroners Service).

By Aaron Schulze

Overdose Deaths

Kamloops records nine illicit drug deaths in March, up to 25 in 2022

May 3, 2022 | 11:24 AM

KAMLOOPS — Nine more illicit drug deaths were recorded in Kamloops in March.

According to the latest preliminary data by the BC Coroners Service, Kamloops has the fifth-most illicit drug deaths among B.C. municipalities with 25 – behind Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria and Abbotsford – up from 16 in February.

In 2022, 45 lives in the Thompson Cariboo health service delivery area have been lost due to toxic drugs; 14 of those took place in March. The Thompson Cariboo has a death rate of 73.7 per 100,000 people.

Provincially, 165 lives were lost due to the toxic drug supply in March for a year-to-date total of 548.

Interior Health recorded 27 deaths in March for a year-to-date total of 93.

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“It is encouraging to see a decrease in the number of lives lost in February and March relative to previous months, but we know the illicit drug market continues to present enormous risks to our community members,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe in a news release. “We encourage people using substances to exercise great care, use only a small amount first, and make sure someone is nearby to provide emergency aid if necessary. The volatile illicit market remains unreliable and unpredictable and continues to take the lives of loved ones across the province.”

According to the BC Coroners Service, toxic drugs have claimed the lives of more than 150 British Columbians for the 18^th consecutive month.

Kamloops set a yearly record with 77 overdose deaths in 2021.