Kamloops records seven illicit drug deaths in March, up to 32 in 2022

Jun 9, 2022 | 10:57 AM

KAMLOOPS — Seven more illicit drug deaths were recorded in Kamloops in April 2022.

According to the latest preliminary data by the BC Coroners Service, Kamloops still has the fifth-most illicit drug deaths among B.C. municipalities with 32 – behind Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria and Abbotsford – up from 25 in March.

In 2022, 54 lives in the Thompson Cariboo health service delivery area have been lost due to toxic drugs; nine of those took place in April. The Thompson Cariboo has a death rate of 66.4 per 100,000 people, down from 73.7.

Provincially, 161 lives were lost due to the toxic drug supply in April for a year-to-date total of 722.

Interior Health recorded 21 deaths in April for a year-to-date total of 117.

Week In Review

Week in Review: Week of April 13, 2026

Apr 18, 2026

CFJC TV Special

AI and Robotics at TRU: Institutional Augmentation

Apr 18, 2026

TWO & OUT

PETERS: AI has potential to help humanity move forward - as long as it doesn't replace what makes us human

Apr 17, 2026

“The reality is that every time someone uses drugs purchased from the unregulated market, their life is at risk,” Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe says in a news release. “Until a safer, regulated supply is widely accessible, I encourage those using drugs to use only in the presence of someone who can provide help and call for medical assistance if that’s required. Anyone using illicit substances, whether they are regular or occasional drug users and whether they know their dealer or not, is currently at risk from the unpredictable, unregulated supply.”

Kamloops set a yearly record with 78 overdose deaths in 2021.

by Aaron Schulze

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Kamloops records seven illicit drug deaths in March, up to 32 in 2022

Our Community