Fentanyl Found in Dead Dolphins off Gulf of Mexico

Researchers from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi found traces of fentanyl and other illegal substances in the carcasses of dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico. The study researched 89 bottlenose dolphins from three areas of the Gulf, and the percentage of drugs found was astounding.

News Nation Now reports on the study:

Of the 89 dolphins that were studied, 30 contained traces of having drugs in their system, including 24 that had traces of fentanyl. The research found that the trace of fentanyl detected in the mammals was not necessarily the cause of death, but it raises tremendous concerns as to how and why dolphins had ingested the deadly substance.

While researchers cannot trace back the drugs’ origins, the proximity of the Mexican border to where the dolphins were found, suggest drug smuggling via the waterway could be a very likely explanation. Authorities say that drug smugglers have been using the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico for years In the summer of 2024 alone, the Mexican Navy pulled 1.6 tons of suspected cocaine from the water.

Researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi said they don’t think the dolphins with drugs found inside them are alone. A previous study discovered that sharks were also found to have cocaine in their system.

“What I call it is raising the red flag basically,” Hussain Abdulla, a chemistry professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, told NewsNation. “There is a concern here and we need to look. We need to investigate it further and (see) how big that problem is. Is it only local in the Gulf of Mexico or is it actually worldwide?”