Cocaine and ketamine found in every sample of shrimp tested in Suffolk

Cocaine was found in all samples of shrimp tested in a rural area of eastern England, scientists have revealed. Scientists from King's College London, in collaboration with the University of Suffolk, made the "surprise" discovery after taking samples from 15 locations across the farming county of Suffolk.

Nic Bury from the University of Suffolk said that ketamine was also prevalent, and added: "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."

The study, published in Environment International, looked at the levels of various "micro-pollutants" in freshwater shrimp.

Results showed that cocaine was found in all samples tested, and other illicit drugs such as ketamine, pesticides and pharmaceuticals were also "widespread" in the shrimp that were collected.

Lead author Thomas Miller from King's said that "concentrations were low" but that the compounds "might pose a risk to wildlife."

Colleague Leon Barron called the regular occurrence of illicit drugs in wildlife "surprising".

"We might expect to see these in urban areas such as London, but not in smaller and more rural catchments," he added.