Global increase in cocaine consumption, with South America having around 22% of users and Brazil being the second-largest consumer market in the region.

Brazil, a significant cocaine consumer and exporter, faces challenges tracking the drug's entry into marine environments, contributing to pollution affecting marine life.

First detection of cocaine contamination in sharks, indicating high drug consumption and disposal into the sea via sewage in the city.

Sharks off Brazil tested positive for cocaine, with levels three times higher in muscle tissue than in liver tissue, raising concerns about behavioral impacts.

Benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, found in 12 out of 13 sharks, indicating direct dumping of cocaine into the water.

High levels of cocaine residue in Santos Bay, Sã​o Paulo, causing toxic effects in aquatic animals.

Calls for legislation to monitor and reduce illicit drug presence in marine ecosystems to address environmental concerns.

Limited research on the impact of cocaine on aquatic life highlighted in the study published in Science of the Total Environment.

Sharks had higher levels of cocaine than benzoylecgonine, suggesting direct dumping of cocaine into the water.

Previous studies like 'Cocaine Sharks' show on Discovery TV explored effects of illicit drugs on sea life, indicating preliminary evidence of drug exposure in sharks.

Further research needed to identify sources of cocaine and prevent its introduction into the sea.

Future plans involve analyzing other shark species, river estuary rays, and migratory fish for cocaine accumulation effects.