Marine biologists tested 13 Brazilian sharpnose sharks taken from the shores near Rio de Janeiro and found high levels of cocaine in their muscles and livers.

Experts believe the cocaine is making its way into the waters via illegal labs where the drug is manufactured or through excrement of drug users.

Packs of cocaine lost or dumped at sea could also be a source, though this is less likely, experts say.

Regardless of where it came from, experts say that a lot of the drug must be entering the ocean for researchers to find it in animals like this.

Studies are needed to find out how cocaine affects shark behavior.

via = by way of; by means of

excrement = feces; dung; poo

1. In which organs was the drug detected?
2. How did it likely get in the ocean?
3. How does cocaine affect shark behavior?

1. How do you feel about sharks?
2. How do you feel about cocaine?
3. Have you seen the movie Cocaine Bear? What about Sharknado? Jaws?
4. How can we solve the drug abuse problem?