Shrimp in British rivers all test positive for cocaine

by eddie Sat May 04, 2019 12:30 am

Illegal drugs such as cocaine and ketamine have been found in the bodies of animals living in British rivers – along with banned pesticides and other chemicals.

Researchers from University College London collected samples from 15 sites in London, looking for ‘micropollutants’ in the bodies of animals such as freshwater shrimp.

100% of the shrimp tested positive for cocaine.

‘As part of our ongoing work, we found that the most frequently detected compounds were illicit drugs, including cocaine and ketamine, and a banned pesticide, fenuron. Although for many of these, the potential for any effect is likely to be low.’

Professor Nic Bury from the University of Suffolk said: ‘Whether the presence of cocaine in aquatic animals is an issue for Suffolk, or more widespread an occurrence in the UK and abroad, awaits further research.

In January this year record levels of cocaine were found in the Thames by researchers studying water flowing into the river from sewers.

The Class A drug is present in users’ urine which is flushed into the sewage system.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/shrimp-british-rivers-test-positive-cocaine-research-finds-191133659.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cDovL20uZmFjZWJvb2suY29t&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANnsmHcLb0aFGm8VKwS4sSo5y3-W2nTg35vMJWHd2Y-1qG88vQF_hg6X-ajUu4l8lL_9KyZgvll43b5E3kN-GfXhtTxqYfqFpm4qhesPje9Stymt54V0Tb--K9KFL4pEYPiM_hatwZLZ35i_nS3e6f8a4HMNULLNEiiuCc0OUMOu&guccounter=2