Researchers believe that heroin may be having an impact on how people behave when they test positive for it off the coast of Brazil. High levels of cocaine were found in 13 Portuguese sharpnose sharks that were taken from lakes near Rio de Janeiro by sea scientists.
Although it’s still unclear where the cocaine came from, ideas suggest it could be from the illegal drug lab drainage or treated wastewater from drug users, according to authorities. Another chance is that the fish may have consumed heroin boxes that were lost or discarded by pirates, though experts say this is unlikely in this area in contrast to places like Mexico and Florida.
The research found” serious coverage” to heroin in the fish, with amounts up to 100 times higher than previously observed in other sea creatures. All shark specimens tested good for cocaine, according to the study, with 23 % of liver tests and 92 percent of body specimens showing signs of the drug’s major molecule, benzoylecgonine.
Dr Enrico Mendes Saggioro, an ecotoxicologist, noted that while cocaine is good detrimental to the predators, its exact effect on their behaviour remains unknown. This may be the case because heroin targets the mind, and other animals have reported hyperactivity and erratic behavior. It’s a chance and more studies are required”, he said.
The fish were found while hunting near Rio de Janeiro, and researchers are concerned that the heroin may be impairing their perspective and hunting abilities, probably lowering their life duration. Although the entire amount of the drug’s effects on these aquatic predators is still being investigated, the findings represent the first direct evidence of cocaine in free-ranging sharks.
