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Cocaine Found in 91% of Northern Ireland Water Samples

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Imperial College London found cocaine in 91% of nearly 140 water samples from five Northern Ireland waterways, including River Lagan and Lough Neagh.
Tramadol, caffeine, and venlafaxine were also detected.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported over 7,000 drug seizures in the last year, a finding that underscores concerns about antibiotic resistance linked to waterborne drugs.

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Story summary

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Imperial College London found cocaine in 91% of nearly 140 water samples from five Northern Ireland waterways, including River Lagan and Lough Neagh.
Tramadol, caffeine, and venlafaxine were also detected.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported over 7,000 drug seizures in the last year, a finding that underscores concerns about antibiotic resistance linked to waterborne drugs.