What are the implications and theories surrounding the controversial discovery of cocaine and other substances in ancient Egyptian mummies?

The discovery of cocaine, nicotine, and hashish in ancient Egyptian mummies, first highlighted by German toxicologist Svetlana Balabanova in the 1990s, presents a fascinating archaeological mystery. This finding challenges conventional historical narratives about ancient civilizations and their possible connections to the Americas, since cocaine is derived from coca plants native to South America. The presence of these substances raises intriguing questions about potential pre-Columbian contact between civilizations or contamination issues with the samples. While some theories suggest ancient trade routes or interactions between distant cultures, skeptics point to possible contamination of the mummy samples over time. This discovery represents one of archaeology's most controversial findings, blending scientific investigation with speculative theories about ancient practices and global connections that existed long before documented European exploration of the Americas.