Kaylah Walton
The synthetic drug referred to as “pink cocaine” has been implicated in the tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne, highlighting the grave health dangers associated with its consumption.
This substance, notably colored pink with food dye, rarely actually contains cocaine.
This potent mixture consists of various drugs capable of triggering severe reactions like heart attacks, psychosis, and even fatalities.
Pink cocaine, which is also known as “tuci,” “tusi,” or “Pantera Rosa,” emerged in Colombia and has now reached the U.S., Spain, and the U.K.
Often marketed as a premium substance, it commands prices around 100 dollars per gram. One of its most alarming characteristics is the inconsistency in its formulation.
The contents vary widely, but frequently include MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and amphetamines such as methamphetamine.
In some instances, perilous substances like fentanyl, LSD, or mescaline may also be present.
The unpredictability and dangers of Pink Cocaine
The combination of potent drugs found in pink cocaine makes its effects unpredictable and often fatal. Users face risks of severe symptoms such as hallucinations, increased anxiety, heart failure, and psychotic episodes.
Medical professionals caution that mixing stimulants and hallucinogens places undue stress on the body, with some labeling it as a “bomb.” Overdoses can be deadly, even for those with prior experiences taking the substance.
Dr. Nelson from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center emphasized the serious hazards linked to pink cocaine.
“The mixture of ingredients leads to expected issues like agitation, hallucinations, psychosis, and hyperstimulation,” Dr. Nelson highlighted.
In the unfortunate case of Liam Payne, toxicology tests indicated that the 31-year-old had pink cocaine, along with cocaine, crack, and benzodiazepine, in his system when he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Payne’s passing raises alarms regarding this hazardous drug.
Pink cocaine has also appeared in other significant cases. It is reportedly connected to a sex-trafficking investigation involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and his former partner Yung Miami, who is accused of distributing the drug for Combs.
Moreover, several deaths have been linked to it, including that of aspiring artist Camila Sterling in Miami in 2023.
Authorities are increasingly alerting the public about pink cocaine, with law enforcement in Spain labeling it as a “bomb” due to its potential to induce severe hypertension and cardiac failure.
As the prevalence of this drug escalates, its unpredictable and lethal consequences pose a significant public health challenge.
