Scientists have uncovered traces of cocaine, caffeine and common painkillers in sharks swimming around the Bahamas, raising alarm over hidden pollution in waters often thought of as pristine.
The study, published in Environmental Pollution, revealed that three shark species, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Atlantic Nurse Sharks and Lemon Sharks, carried detectable levels of the substances.
Researchers examined 85 sharks near Eleuthera Island and an abandoned fish farm, finding that 28 had traces of cocaine, caffeine, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) or diclofenac (found in Voltaren).
According to reports, the development was the first time cocaine and diclofenac have been detected in Bahamian sharks, and the first global detection of caffeine and acetaminophen in any shark species.
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Scientists also observed changes in metabolic markers, including altered triglycerides, urea and lactate levels, suggesting the drugs may be affecting shark physiology.
Diclofenac is linked to kidney disease in animals, while cocaine and caffeine can cause hyperglycemia and lactate build-up.
Researchers described the discovery as “emerging pollution risks in seemingly pristine ecosystems,” further revealing how human activity and pharmaceutical waste are reaching even remote marine environments.