More than a dozen sharks in Brazil have tested positive for cocaine, raising concerns that open waters in the area are being contaminated with drugs and affecting wildlife.
Several research groups recently published findings after collecting 13 sharpnose sharks from fishermen off the coast of Rio de Janeiro… and after they cut them open and removed their entrails, reports say their livers and muscle tissue were found to be contaminated with cocaine.
We’re not just talking about a little white powder here: according to these researchers, the concentration in their system was incredibly high… up to 100 times higher than previously recorded data from other marine life.
While there’s no confirmation of where the cocaine came from… people certainly have their ideas, including illegal drug labs in the area — or just drug traffickers who lost some of their cargo on the high seas while trying to transport cocaine across the ocean.
Either way… it’s clear that these sharks managed to munch on some nasal candy that fell into the water — but it’s unclear how that might have affected their behavior.
Scientists say they suspect these tiny sharks were probably extremely aggressive while they were still breathing (through their gills)… and may have gone berserk while munching on fish. It may sound funny… but experts say it’s a worrying sign for the ecosystem.
You’ve heard of Sharknado… now get ready for some cracked sharks. Safe swimming, folks.