There is a latest trend in the UK, US, and Europe where many unknown drugs sweep the market and their use becomes so popular that they become addictive. This time it's pink cocaine, which is trending all over Europe. But the problem with pink cocaine is that it contains neither cocaine nor psychedelic substances and instead has a concoction of many components that can otherwise be potentially dangerous and addictive.
Pink cocaine, otherwise known as tusi, is a concoction of drugs. According to the studies, the main components found in tusi are ketamine, combined with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, and/or new psychoactive substances. Both MDMA and 2C-B are class A drugs, while ketamine is class B. It is usually in the form of pink powder, so that’s why the name pink cocaine. The users mistake pink cocaine for a 2C/2C-B drug but are unaware of the fact that it contains many other cheaper components in addition to cocaine. Because of the other contents, it can lead to many adverse effects.1
Origin of Tusi
The original psychedelic drug tusibi was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. The original drug has both hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Tusibi, or 2C-B, chemically is 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine. In 2010, a modern knockoff variant emerged in Columbia. But over a period of time, it has been developed as a designer drug with multiple compositions, which makes it dangerous, and effects often become unpredictable.2
Although pink cocaine or tusibi is derived from the 2C family, the worst thing is that it hardly contains psychedelic drugs and instead consists of drugs like ketamine, MDMA, and amphetamine.
Other names of pink cocaine are cocaine rosada, venus, eros, and tuci.
How is pink cocaine different from cocaine?
Both cocaine and pink cocaine affect the central nervous system. Pink cocaine composition includes derivatives of MDMA, LSD, amphetamine, ketamine, and other substances that can lead to increased euphoria, enhanced energy levels, mental alertness, and altered perceptions. Additionally, LSD present in pink cocaine brings about hallucinogen effects, which are otherwise absent in cocaine.2
Common Usage
Pink cocaine is mostly used by 2 groups. First, those who are drug abusers and new to drug use, and second, used by teens and adults interested in experimentation. Pink cocaine gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and since then has become a party drug, influencing more and more people to use the drug. It has also been glamorized by the television and movie industry, which also plays a role in influencing drug abuse.2
Side effects associated with pink cocaine use are:
It is available in the form of pills and powder, which people either directly consume pills or snort the powder and rarely via injection.
Hallucinations, euphoria
Nausea, vomiting
Agitation
Increased heartbeat and blood pressure
Seizures
Respiratory depression
Overdose of pink cocaine can lead to blue discoloration of face, lips, and nails; shallow breathing; respiratory distress; and unresponsiveness.5
One user, Sithale Kgaogelo, shared a post on X instructing people to be aware of pink cocaine as it can be ‘deadly in single-use’. He mentioned that most drugs sold are unregulated and contain combinations of drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and some fentanyl, which can be deadly in even small doses. He further continued that as it contains more than one drug, the effects can be unexpected.
Law and regulations
Pink cocaine is popular in South America, Europe, and the US, and law enforcement has been vigilant in these areas to prevent illegal supply and misuse of the drug. The law enforcement has also seized many samples. According to an article, a US Coast Guard intercepted and seized around 140 pounds of Tusi in addition to 35,000 pounds of cocaine. As pink cocaine is a drug concoction, with the help of MX908, all the components can be easily detected even at low concentrations/trace levels. MX908 is a handheld mass spectrophotometer device for the identification and detection of chemical components at trace levels. The advantage of this handheld device is that the officers can carry out checks without exposing themselves to opioids. And all the drugs pertaining to pink cocaine have been strictly banned and are deemed illegal.3,4
Spanish authorities carried out an operation across Ibiza and Malaga and seized pink cocaine in large quantities along with ecstasy pills.6
A video was shared on Instagram by Onlyindade along with the post, which showed how a woman killed two individuals under the influence of pink cocaine.
The post read, “Police bodycam footage captures the aftermath of a tragic crash in downtown Miami, allegedly caused by social media model Maecee Marie Lathers, who was reportedly under the influence of Tusi (pink cocaine). She tried leaving the scene but was stopped by bystanders. The crash, which occurred on August 10th, resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Lathers now faces multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and causing injury.”
Comparison with Russian roulette
People assume pink cocaine to be simple cocaine, but additionally, along with ketamine, it contains many other components that can lead to serious complications. Because of its appearance and tag as a designer label, it is trending among teens and adults. Some experts have often compared pink cocaine to playing Russian roulette with substance use, as its use also has some dangerous and unpredictable outcomes. It has easily spread from Ibiza to the UK and New York. It has caused an alarming situation in Europe, with Spain not properly equipped with testing facilities.6
Control steps and measures that can be taken
For pink cocaine addiction: medical detox at a rehab center and thorough diagnosis followed by treatment to manage a mental health condition.
Feasible drug-checking kits so that people can easily check the components meant for consumption.
Public awareness programs and help centers to provide support services.
Strict laws to curb the illegal supply and use of adulterated drugs.
Pink cocaine’s rising popularity reminds us of the drug trend that can generate serious dangers as it quickly spreads through Europe and beyond. Though the pink color and its label as a designer drug may draw many individuals towards its use, proper awareness, measures, and laws must be imposed to prevent harm.
REFERENCES:
1. Palamar, J. J. (2023). Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 546–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2023.2207716
2. Center, I. R., & Center, I. R. (2024, September 11). Tucibi (Pink cocaine). Illinois Recovery Center. https://www.illinoisrecoverycenter.com/tucibi-pink-cocaine/
3. 908 Devices. (2024, August 12). Pink Cocaine: The Truth Behind Tusi and its Dangerous Mixture | 908 Devices. https://908devices.com/blog/pink-cocaine-truth-behind-tusi-and-its-dangerous-mixture/
4. 908 Devices. (2024b, September 17). MX908 Handheld Mass Spectrometer | 908 devices. https://908devices.com/products/mx908/
5. Team, D., & Team, D. (2024, September 10). Pink cocaine: the new psychedelic party drug. The Willough at Naples Behavioral Hospital. https://www.thewilloughatnaples.com/pink-cocaine/amp/
6. Janes, J. (n.d.). Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/pink-cocaine-the-party-drug-cocktail-putting-a-growing-number-of-lives-at-risk-237592
