Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service confirms that toxic, unregulated drugs claimed the lives of at least 2,511 people in British Columbia in 2023, the largest number of drug-related deaths ever reported to the agency.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement regarding the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office’s single largest forfeiture in the history of the program:

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about an unexplained wealth order (UWO) application filing:

The deaths of at least 342 people experiencing homelessness were reported to the BC Coroners Service in 2022, continuing an increase in deaths among the unhoused population of 138% in the past two years.

People who have been affected by crime will soon have improved access to supports and care, with new updates being implemented by the Province on Jan. 1, 2024. 

On Nov. 14, 2023, the Abbotsford Police Department and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit became aware of an unauthorized display of a sensitive law enforcement intelligence document on an online social media site.

Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, has released the following statement on her future with the BC Coroners Service and the B.C. Public Service:

At least 2,039 lives have been lost to unregulated drugs in the first 10 months of 2023, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about the first unexplained wealth order application filing:

A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Mary Ann Garlow and Dennis James Guay will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby).