The number of drug-related deaths in Prince George is on pace to exceed last year's total.
As of the end of August, there were 16 such fatalities in the city, compared to 18 for all of 2016, according to B.C. Coroners Service numbers released this week.
The count made Prince George the 14th most prolific among B.C. communities.
For the province as a whole, the total for the year so far, 1,013, has already surpassed the total of 982 for 2016 in whole.
At 823, over 80 per cent of the suspected illicit drug deaths to date had fentanyl detected, representing an increase of 151-per-cent over the same period in 2016. In most cases, fentanyl was combined with other illicit drugs, most often cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines.
However, Prince George did not make the top 15 communities for deaths caused by the opioid.
"It's heartbreaking to see the continued high numbers of deaths throughout the province despite the numerous initiatives and harm-reduction measures in place," chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.
"This highlights the complexities of drug dependency and illicit drug use, and the importance of a co-ordinated, health-focused approach to this medical issue.
"We also need people to know that no illicit substance in this province can be considered safe, whether you know your dealer or not. Anyone using an illicit substance must be prepared for an adverse effect and must have someone else present who is willing and able to help."
