What To Know About Dangerous Synthetic Drug, Pink Cocaine

A drug cocktail called “pink cocaine” is surging in popularity, raising alarm among law enforcement and health officials.

At a Glance

Pink cocaine, also known as “Tusi” or “Tuci,” is a synthetic drug mix that often contains no actual cocaine.
The drug typically contains ketamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, among other substances.
It’s being sold primarily online and through social media, gaining popularity in New York City clubs.
Federal authorities have issued warnings about its prevalence and potential dangers.
The drug has been linked to the death of singer Liam Payne.

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine, contrary to its name, is not actually cocaine. It’s a dangerous synthetic drug cocktail that has been gaining traction in club scenes across the United States, particularly in New York City. The mixture typically contains a combination of ketamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, often mixed with white powder and pink food coloring to give it its distinctive appearance.

“It’s ketamine mixed with methamphetamine, ecstasy. It could be mixed with anything,” warns Bridget Brennan, New York City’s special narcotics prosecutor.

The drug’s deceptive name and colorful appearance mask its potentially lethal nature. Despite its innocent-looking pink hue, the unpredictable mix of substances can lead to severe health risks, including overdose and death.

Spreading Through Social Media

One of the most concerning aspects of pink cocaine’s proliferation is its distribution method. Frank Tarentino, a DEA special agent, notes, “It’s being sold mostly online and through social media apps but being abused in the clubs in New York City.” This online marketing approach makes the drug particularly accessible to younger users who are active on social media platforms.

The ease of online purchasing, combined with its relatively low cost, has contributed to pink cocaine’s rapid spread. Dr. Linda Cottler, an epidemiologist at the University of Florida, explains, “This concoction is usually very cheap, which attracts people to use it.” This affordability factor is particularly concerning as it could lead to widespread abuse.

Dangers and Health Risks

The dangers associated with pink cocaine cannot be overstated. The unpredictable mix of substances can lead to severe health complications, including amnesia, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness. There are also concerns about its potential use in assault cases due to its ability to incapacitate users.

Pink? Yes. Cocaine? Not usually.

Learn about "pink cocaine," the mysterious new drug that is popping up in clubs around the country.https://t.co/9SX0JPXza1

— Poison Control (@NationalPoison) July 11, 2024

Adding to these risks is the potential inclusion of fentanyl in some batches of pink cocaine, significantly increasing the likelihood of overdose. New York City has already seen a troubling rise in drug-related deaths, with overdose fatalities climbing from 2,600 in 2021 to 3,026 in 2022.

High-Profile Incident

Notably, the recent death of singer Liam Payne, formerly of the band One Direction, has helped bring pink cocaine into the spotlight. Reports indicate that Payne had consumed a mixture including pink cocaine before his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. This incident has brought increased attention to the drug’s lethal potential and its growing prevalence in entertainment circles.

As pink cocaine continues to spread, law enforcement and health officials are working to educate the public about its dangers. It’s important for parents, educators, and community leaders to remain vigilant and informed about this new threat to public health and safety.