Sharks in Bahamas found to have cocaine and other drugs in their systems, study says

Researchers in Brazil and Chile analyzed 85 sharks for the presence of caffeine, cocaine and painkillers.

Of the 85 sharks analyzed, containments of emerging concern (CECs) - such as caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers - were detected in 28 sharks off the coast of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas.

Scientists analyzed serum samples of tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Atlantic nurse sharks and lemon sharks.

"Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs are increasingly recognized as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in marine environments, particularly in areas undergoing rapid urbanization and tourism-driven development," the study's abstract noted.

In 2025, 12.5 million people visited the Bahamas, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

The researchers concluded the sharks with CECs showed altered triglycerides, urea and lactate levels.

"It's mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water," said Wosnick.

She also said, "The [sharks] bite things to investigate and end up exposed."

The new data also showed that the sharks with contaminated blood "had changes in some biological markers, which can point to how tissues are functioning. Though the researchers don't know if the alterations are detrimental, the team says they could lead to behavioral changes," the same source noted.