The Addiction Crisis in Langley

Langley, BC is experiencing a worsening drug overdose crisis that is bucking the provincial downward trend. By the end of October 2025, 43 people had already died from toxic drugs — nearly matching the full-year totals of 44 in 2024 and 46 in 2023. In March 2026 alone, 10 deaths were recorded (preliminary), up from 5 in February 2026, a month-over-month doubling. Fluorofentanyl (66%), fentanyl (59%), cocaine (56%), and methamphetamine (54%) were detected in fatal cases. The majority of deaths (52%) occur in private residences. While BC as a whole saw a 13% drop in drug deaths in 2024, Langley's trajectory is moving in the opposite direction.

Canada recorded approximately 7,560 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2023 (PHAC), falling to roughly 6,250 in 2024 — a 17% national decline. British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario collectively account for about 80% of Canadian opioid deaths. Despite national and provincial improvements, Langley's local trajectory moved in the opposite direction in 2025 and into early 2026, underscoring that aggregate improvements can mask intensifying local crises in specific communities.

01. What is happening in Langley

02. A crisis that did not start this month

British Columbia recorded 2,511 toxic drug deaths in 2023 — the highest annual toll ever — followed by 2,253 deaths in 2024, a 13% decline and a four-year low. In March 2026, the province recorded 135 deaths (4.4 per day). Fentanyl remains the dominant substance, detected in roughly 59–85% of fatal cases depending on the period. Fluorofentanyl has emerged as an increasingly common adulterant. Across BC, 78% of deaths are male, and 69% of those who die are between ages 30–59. Over a decade since BC declared a public health emergency in 2016, more than 18,000 lives have been lost. Decriminalization was not renewed after 2025, and the safer supply program faced further restrictions in early 2026.

03. Why is it getting worse?

Several factors drive Langley's worsening crisis against a provincewide improving trend. The illegal drug supply has become increasingly toxic, with fluorofentanyl now detected in 66% of fatal cases alongside fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The rollback of decriminalization after 2025 and further restrictions to BC's safer supply program in early 2026 have reduced access to regulated substances, pushing people back to unpredictable street drugs. The majority of deaths (52%) occur in private residences, where no one is present to administer naloxone or call 911 — a structural harm-reduction gap. Langley's suburban geography and lower density of supervised consumption sites compared to Vancouver leave many residents without proximate services. Funding instability at overdose prevention sites and rural/suburban access barriers compound the risk. Trades and transport workers represent a disproportionate share of those who die (27%), suggesting occupational stress and injury-related opioid exposure play a role.

04. Where hope still lives

Communities across British Columbia are responding with naloxone distribution, harm reduction programs, and peer support networks. Every person trained in naloxone use is a potential life saved.

05. In the news

The reporting behind this page:

• Drug deaths in Langley increased in MarchLangley Advance Times · 2026-05-19
• Langley seeing more drug deaths than in 2024Langley Advance Times · 2025-12-04
• Drug crisis continues to claim lives in LangleyLangley Advance Times · 2025-11-03
• Letter: Langley resident calls for more to be done about overdose crisisLangley Advance Times · 2025-11-13
• B.C. sets grim record with 2,511 toxic drug deaths in 2023CBC News · 2024-01-19
• Decade of death: With 18K lives lost, B.C. counts cost of 10-year drug emergencyGlobal News · 2026-04-23