Synthetic Drug Cocktail Causing Alarm as It Spreads Across Europe

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Person holding a small bag of white powder.

Pink cocaine, a synthetic drug cocktail, is causing increasing fatalities across Europe and the U.S., misleadingly marketed despite its severe health risks. The party drug doesn’t contain any cocaine but mixes MDMA, Ketamine, and Tucibi. It also consists of pink dye food coloring. Authorities have warned the public of pink cocaine as it is linked to severe health risks and potential fatal overdoses.

The Composition and Allure of Pink Cocaine

Pink cocaine, also known as “tusi,” typically combines MDMA, ketamine, and Tucibi, with no actual cocaine present. Originating in Colombia in the early 2010s, it has since made its way across the Atlantic. The drug is named for its pink hue, which is a food dye added to make it more visually appealing. Despite the moniker, “pink cocaine” is misleading and dangerous, as it often includes a mix of stimulants and depressants.

“It’s ketamine mixed with methamphetamine, ecstasy. It could be mixed with anything,” said Bridget Brennan regarding the unpredictability of this substance cocktail.

The Health Risks and Rising Fatalities

Each constituent of pink cocaine poses unique health risks. Ketamine, for instance, can induce severe respiratory failure, risking unconsciousness and death. MDMA can lead to dangerously high body temperatures and heart-related complications, while Tucibi is a potent psychedelic with unpredictable effects. The lethal nature of this cocktail is underscored by reports linking it to several drug-related deaths.

“The term “pink cocaine” is itself a misnomer, as the cocktail rarely contains cocaine,” notes Joseph Palamar, pointing to the deception in marketing and the need for increased awareness.

Furthermore, the tragic death of popstar Liam Payne, allegedly tied to pink cocaine, highlights its deadly unpredictability. The subsequent investigation into pink cocaine’s spread and its ties to fatalities underscores the urgency of heightened public education and prevention strategies.

Authorities’ Response and Public Education Efforts

Federal authorities have issued warnings regarding pink cocaine’s spread, particularly in New York City. The drug is often sold online and has garnered popularity in the club scenes. Its availability through social media platforms has contributed to its growing market presence, leading to multiple arrests and rising overdose deaths in the region. Health officials are pressing for more robust preventive measures and education efforts to combat this public health threat.

“It’s really a very dangerous and deadly market right now,” emphasizes Bridget Brennan, urging strong action to curb the proliferation of this drug.

These alarming trends call for an urgent response to prevent further fatalities and mitigate the risks associated with this hazardous synthetic drug cocktail.

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1 COMMENT

  1. No sympathy here. People who knowingly take illegal street drugs do so at their own peril. Just as with most of the fentanyl overdoses — they willingly took an illegal drug. That’s on them.

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