Sharks caught near Brazil have been found to have high concentrations of cocaine in their system

Brazilian scientists from the Osvaldo Cruz Foundation found high levels of cocaine in the muscles and liver of 13 sharks of the species Rhizoprionodon lalandii or sharpnose sharks caught off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Here's What We Know

Concentrations of the substance were found to be 100 times higher than in other sea creatures. Researchers believe that cocaine enters the water through illegal laboratories or excreta from drug users who enter the ocean through sewers. A less likely source could be drug packets lost or discarded by smugglers.

All of the sharks studied were pregnant, but the effects of cocaine on their offspring are not yet known. Experts stress the importance of further research to understand the drug's effects on shark behaviour. It has previously been found that drugs can have similar effects on animals to humans. Last year, chemical compounds linked to cocaine were also found in seawater samples off the south coast of England.

Source: BBC