After a slight drop in illicit drug deaths in February, the number of suspected overdose deaths ramped back up in March. According to the BC Coroners Service, in February, 108 people died in B.C., compared to 120 deaths in March. The new numbers show the third highest number of suspected drug overdose deaths ever for a single month, with, on average, almost four deaths per day. Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths by Month, 2015-2017. (BC Coroners Service)The BC Coroners Service says most of the victims were between 30 and 49 years old, while males accounted for 82.7 per cent of the suspected illicit drug overdose deaths.

Source: CBC News April 19, 2017 19:37 UTC