Arts+Culture / NewsItaly's eels have a coke problemThe country's rivers are polluted with cocaine and it is affecting the health of sea lifeShareLink copied ✔️June 11, 2015Arts+CultureNewsText Helena Horton It's not news that we're polluting our waters – Britain found coke in the country's water supply last year because we're horrible caners. But does anyone think about the sea life that's exposed to our crusade to do drugs 24/7? Maybe not. It isn't just bankers in Canary Wharf and rockstars who do coke – eels are at it, too. Eels! An experiment conducted by Italian scientists found that 15 grammes of coke flow through the Sarno river every day, and it's getting under the gills of all the eels that live in it. Imagine going to a bar full of coked-up eels. 'Eel banter' aside, it's actually really bad for them. Cocaine can damage their internal organs, cause a thick mucus to form on their skin and induce hyperactive behaviour. Please be aware that fishing for eels and eating them won't get you high, also be aware that while "eels on coke" sounds hilarious, we're throwing absolutely loads of shit into the world's waters without really thinking about it. Watch the video via The Verge, below. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingIs this the most corrupt World Cup ever?From Donald Trump’s alleged meddling to theories of a pro-Argentina conspiracy, accusations of foul play are taking over the 2026 World CupLife & CultureLife & CultureWhy the smartest person you know is watching Love IslandDODOFashionDoDo is longing for an escapist Italian summer – aren’t we all!Beauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaMusicEthel Cain responds to a ‘massive smear campaign’ that unearthed old posts NothingMusicNothing launches ‘Club Nothing’ nightlife series with a global fundDazed LeagueThe heart and soul of LA’s exploding street soccer sceneReplitLife & CultureWhat Went Down at the inaugural vibeconBeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy