Four people in Nanaimo lost their lives due to unregulated street drugs in May, part of 109 deaths province-wide, bringing the total number of deaths in B.C. this year to 630. (Image Credit: (Pikist))

By Jordan Davidson

toxic supply

Four deaths recorded in Nanaimo from toxic street drugs in May

Jul 9, 2026 | 10:25 AM

NANAIMO — Thirty seven people have died in Nanaimo from the toxic drug supply in the first five months of the year, surpassing last year’s pace, according to newly released BC Coroners Service (BCCS) data.

Four deaths in Nanaimo in May are among 10 deceased across all of central Vancouver Island, which includes communities such as Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet.

That area also currently has the highest rate of death per Health Service Delivery Area, with 53 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by the Northwest at 52.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

The number of Nanaimo deaths last month is down from the 10 people who died due to toxic drugs in April.

Province-wide, 109 deaths related to toxic drugs were recorded in May (lowest since February 2020), equal to about 3.5 deaths per day, compared to 160 in May of last year.

toxic supply

Four deaths recorded in Nanaimo from toxic street drugs in May

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In the first five months of the year, 690 deaths have been attributed by the BCCS province-wide to toxic drugs, compared to the 775 deaths during the same period last year.

So far this year, 76 per cent of the deaths were male, with 68 per cent between the ages of 30 and 59.

Fentanyl in its various forms was detected in 67 per cent of deaths, with cocaine (55 per cent) and methamphetamine (52 per cent) also common in drug deaths which have undergone expedited toxicology testing.

The majority (81 per cent) of unregulated drug deaths so far this year have occurred indoors in private residences or other housing, including shelters and hotels. In contrast, 18 per cent of those deaths occurred outside, including in vehicles.

Last year, 71 people died in Nanaimo from toxic drugs, according to the BCCS.

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by Jordan Davidson

Four deaths recorded in Nanaimo from toxic street drugs in May

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