Study finds widespread cocaine pollution in NI rivers and lakes

Cocaine has been found in Northern Ireland’s lakes and rivers, according to environmental scientists.

Research by Imperial College London and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) found the Class A drug in 91 per cent of the 140 samples they took from rivers and lakes across the region.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported 1,353 seizures of cocaine between September 2024 and 2025. It is the most commonly used illegal drug in the nation, according to Northern Ireland’s Substance Misuse Database 2023-24.

Found everywhere

Lead author of the research, Dr Billy Hunter, told The State of Us podcast that he was surprised to find cocaine detected “broadly everywhere”, and not just in high population areas like around Belfast.

He said that the findings showed illegal drug abuse is not “solely an urban problem; they are present right across Northern Ireland”.

Dr Hunter added: “One of the interesting things is actually the fact that it was showing up quite strongly in places like Lough Erne, which is maybe because it’s a recreation hotspot.”

Not prosecuted properly

Tom McGrath, whose 22-year-old son Matthew was found dead in County Armagh in 2024, highlighted the harms of cocaine earlier this year when he spoke to BBC Radio Ulster calling for a clampdown on drug dealers.

The penalty for possessing the Class A drug is up to seven years in prison, while supply may result in a life sentence.

But the father explained: “How many times do you see them going before the courts and getting custodial sentences? The dealers and suppliers aren’t being prosecuted properly.”