Seventy-four people are suspected to have died after consuming drugs in the first 60 days of 2024, according to the latest update from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

Almost all the deaths, 69, reported in January and February are listed as suspected overdoses so the numbers could change once the cases are concluded. Five are confirmed.

The high death toll is grim but not surprising, said Kayla DeMong, the executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) in Saskatoon. She said the province’s approach to drug use isn’t helping prevent the numbers from rising.