Sharks test positive for cocaine in Brazil: marine biologists
NEW YORK (PIX11) – Sharks off the Brazilian coast have tested positive for cocaine, according to a study from marine biologists.
At least 13 sharpnose sharks had the drugs in their system, researchers said. It's unclear how the cocaine ended up in the sharks.
Scientists speculated that trafficking and high use of the drug in the area could have led to it entering the sewage system and then polluting the waters.
It's unknown if the drugs affected the sharks. Other sea animals are likely contaminated with cocaine as well, scientists said.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.