Canada's opioid-related deaths could reach 4,000 in 2017

OTTAWA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Canada's opioid-related deaths could hit 4,000 this year, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada on Monday.

At least 1,460 people died from opioid-related overdoses in the first half of this year and the death number will surpass last year's figure of 2,861.

All regions in the country have been affected. The western provinces and territories continue to report higher rates of opioid-related deaths.

The agency also said that illicit fentanyl has played a major role in the crisis, with 74 percent of deaths involving the opioid, compared to 53 percent last year.