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Cranbrook bearing brunt of toxic drug crisis in EK

Toxic drugs continue to claim lives in Cranbrook, East Kootenay
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There have been 11 deaths due to toxic drugs in Cranbrook in the first eight months of 2024, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.

Regionally, there have been 16 deaths due to drug poisonings, as Cranbrook continues to bear the brunt of the crisis in the East Kootenay.

The information was part of the latest data release by the B.C. Coroners Service, which showed 187 toxic drug deaths in August, and 183 deaths in September across the province.

That equates to roughly six deaths per day.

"Today, B.C. mourns the loss of 187 and 183 people to toxic drugs in August and September respectively. They were brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, friends, colleagues and neighbours," reads a statement from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

"Although the rate of toxic-drug deaths this year continues to decrease compared to the past three years, the rate of toxic-drug deaths and the impact of toxic drugs circulating in B.C. communities remains unacceptable."

So far this year, there have been 1,749 toxic drug deaths in B.C.

Last year was the worst year on record as the province continues to grapple with the crisis, as 2,573 people died from drug poisonings.

B.C. declared the crisis a public health emergency in 2016. 

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Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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