Drug overdose deaths fell to their lowest numbers in five years in Lethbridge. (Photo: Steveheap | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge lowest since 2019

Feb 3, 2025 | 9:48 AM

The Government of Alberta continues to report fatal drug consumption in Lethbridge, albeit in smaller numbers than we have seen in the last five years.

The substance use surveillance system report has been updated to include numbers up to October 2024.

They say two people lost their lives due to drug use in October, bringing the city’s year-to-date total to 40.

That is the lowest number since 2019 when 18 people died in the first 10 months of that year in Lethbridge.

Drug overdose deaths peaked in 2023, hitting 110 during that period.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

A new report shows the number of drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge has declined over the last year. (Source: Alberta Opioid Surveillance System. Compiled by LNN)

According to the report, 57 per cent of fatal overdose cases occurred in public spaces in the third quarter of 2024. 29 per cent took place in somebody else’s home while 14 per cent were in the victim’s residence.

The locations of these incidents have been changing in recent years, as the majority in every year prior to 2022 were at the person’s own home.

Fentanyl was found in 95 per cent of drug consumption deaths in the South Health Zone, while cocaine was present in the victim’s body nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of the time.

Province-wide, the victims in just over 73 per cent of drug overdose deaths were men and the most common age group was 35-39.

The full report can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now