When you sit down to a meal of healthy seafood your mind might not be focused on the potential dangers your food presents. However, according to scientists, the existence of contaminants found in wildlife might surprise you. One study out of the U.K. found that shrimp tested positive for cocaine amongst many other chemicals including banned pesticides.  (1)

U.K. Shrimp Cocaine Study

Researchers collected shrimp from 15 sites in July 2018 spanning five river catchments in the United Kingdom. The non-metropolitan areas studied included Gipping, Alde, Deben, Stour and Waveney, all located on the east coast. (2)

Every sample contained cocaine and lidocaine, an anesthetic. Lidocaine is commonly used as an additive by cocaine dealers. Although it is unclear how the substances came into contact with the shrimp it is more than likely it leaked into the waters or entered through sewer overflows. (2)

Shrimp Cocaine And Banned Pesticides

Some other disturbing contaminants included banned pesticides, the animal tranquilizer ketamine, opioid medication, and antidepressants. According to co-author of the study Dr. Leon Barron, a senior lecturer in forensic science at King’s College London, the discovery was “surprising.” (2)

Cocaine Found In Shrimp In Rural Areas

Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the shrimp were from rural areas, not an urban center such as London. The team is challenged by their findings and unsure what the source might be for the contaminants. (2)

“Although concentrations were low, we were able to identify compounds that might be of concern to the environment and crucially, which might pose a risk to wildlife,” adds Dr. Thomas Miller the lead author of the study. “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.” (2)

Cocaine Is An “Invisible” Pollution

“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,” notes another team co-author Nic Bury, a professor from the University of Suffolk. “Environmental health has attracted much attention from the public due to challenges associated with climate change and microplastic pollution. However, the impact of ‘invisible’ chemical pollution (such as drugs) on wildlife health needs more focus in the U.K. as policy can often be informed by studies such as these.” (2)

Seattle Shellfish Opioids

Although you might think there’s no need to worry “across the pond,” think again. Scientists found the opioid oxycodone in mussels tested off the coast of Washington in a separate study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2)

The oxycodone appeared in mussels tested from the Seattle and Bremerton harbor areas. They also found traces of melphalan, a drug used in chemotherapy.  As a result, scientist Andy James of the Puget Sound Institute says we “might want to look at biological impacts.” (3)

In this case, the team of researchers believe it is highly likely that drug residues passed from wastewater in treatment plants. (3)