Northern Health reports increase in fentanyl-related drug deaths in latest update

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern B.C. has seen an increase in fentanyl related drug deaths since January 2026, according to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS). 

On April 15th 2026, the BCCS released its February 2026 drug toxicity report, which stated Northern Health has seen nine new unregulated drug deaths involving fentanyl throughout the month. 

In January 2026, Northern B.C. reported six unregulated drug deaths where fentanyl was detected. 

As of February 2026, 15 of the 25 reported unregulated drug deaths in Northern Health involve the detection of fentanyl, accounting for 60 per cent of the region’s total cases. 

BCCS says Northern Health holds the highest rate of unregulated drug deaths in 2026, with 51 deaths per 100,000 people. 

Sixty-four per cent of all unregulated drug deaths in Northern Health up to February 2026 involve consumption through smoking, the second lowest in the province, according to the BCCS. 

Sixty-eight per cent of all unregulated drug deaths in Northern Health occurred in private residences, according to the report. 

Northern Health has reported 1,078 unregulated drug deaths involving fentanyl since the province declared a toxic drug emergency on April 14th, 2016.