The BC Coroners Service says two people died of suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in New West in May.
That means a dozen people died as a result of the drug poisoning crisis in New Westminster in the first five months of 2022. Statistics from the coroners service show that five people died of suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in January, one in February, three in March, one in April and two in May.
The BC Coroners Service’s latest report, released July 14, states that preliminary reporting confirms that toxic illicit drugs claimed the lives of at least 195 British Columbians in May 2022.
“At least 940 lives were lost to toxic drugs in B.C. between January and May, a record number for the first five months of a calendar year,” said a press release from the coroners service. “Following two months of a small decline, the 195 recorded deaths in May is the largest number ever recorded in that calendar month and is a 20 per cent increase over the number of deaths (162) reported in April 2022. The total number of deaths in the month equates to an average of about 6.3 deaths per day.”
Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s chief coroner, said the province is on pace to lose a record number of community members in 2022, after a “catastrophic” 2021. More than 2,220 British Columbians lost their lives to illicit drug deaths last year.
"The illicit drug supply in this province continues to be volatile and inconsistent, and presents a significant risk to anyone who uses drugs,” she said in a news release. “I strongly urge those purchasing illicit substances to take every available precaution to protect yourself. Please start with a small amount of the drug, and make sure someone is present who can provide naloxone and call for emergency assistance if you experience a negative effect. Your life is at risk."
The coroners service noted that between July 2020 and May 2022, etizolam has been found in 40 per cent of suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths that have undergone expedited testing. It does not respond to naloxone and it creates life-saving challenges for first responders.
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