The Streets of Rome are Filled with Rubble

But, the air is filled with coke:

A scientific study by an Italian city council has found particles of cocaine in Rome's air.

The study by the council's atmospheric pollution institute calls the discovery of cocaine traces "a first" for a city.

It also found traces of cannabinol, a component of marijuana and hashish, as well as nicotine and caffeine.

"The highest concentration of cocaine was found in the centre of Rome and especially in the University of La Sapienza area," the study said.

"We cannot in any way confirm that the consumption or trafficking of drugs is more common in that area."

The study says the highest concentrations of cocaine (about 0.1 nanograms per cubic metre) were detected during the winter months.

The southern Italian city of Taranto and the Algerian capital Algiers were also included in the study.

Far lower levels of cocaine were found in Taranto, while none was found in Algiers.

Nicotine and caffeine were found in all three cities.

- AFP