A Tennessee police department has warned residents against flushing drugs down the toilet as marine animals are getting high. Police officials said that there is an increasing risk of meth-gators.  Officers issued the warning on Saturday after they found a suspect unsuccessfully trying to flush methamphetamine and paraphernalia at their home. Reportedly, he flushed 12 grams of meth and other items of drug paraphernalia. While the suspect was arrested, police said that it was becoming a bigger issue as drugs in the sewer system end up in retention ponds for processing before they are sent downstream. Parrots Are Getting High on Opium They Rob From Farms in Madhya Pradesh (Watch Video)

According to a Loretto Police Department social media post, "Now our sewer guys take great pride in releasing water that is cleaner than what is in the creek, but they are not really prepared for meth. Ducks, Geese, and other fowl frequent our treatment ponds and we shudder to think what one all hyped up on meth would do." Authorities said that marine life in Shoal Creek and the Tennessee River in North Alabama could get affected if people continue to flush drugs down the toilet. New Zealand Votes 'Tipsy' Pigeon Bird of the Year.

CNN quoted authorities as saying, "They have had enough methed-up animals the past few weeks without our help. So, if you need to dispose of your drugs just give us a call and we will make sure they are disposed of in the proper way." Loretto Police has now urged residents to bring drugs with medical prescription to their offices instead of flushing. They have warned it could create 'meth-gators.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2019 01:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).