What is ‘pink cocaine’? The dangerous drug found during Liam Payne’s autopsy

The former One Direction singer, Liam Paynehad a recreational drug called ‘pink cocaine’ in his system when he died last week, but what exactly is it? Pink powder, also known as ‘tusi’, does not usually contain cocaine, despite its name. It is more of a cocktail of drugs like ketaminethe methamphetaminehe ecstasy and the crack dyed pink.

As the drug is made most popularEuropean and American authorities have warned people against its consumption. “In many ways, ‘pink cocaine’ is a example of the most sophisticated marketing of synthetic substances directed at consumers, who probably have little understanding of what chemicals they are actually consuming,” according to the European Union Anti-Drug Agency.

Why is it pink?

‘Pink cocaine’ is so thanks to a food coloring or dyeexplains Joseph Palamar, who studies drug trends at NYU Langone Health in the United States. “Sometimes it has cocaine in the mix, but it’s usually plus a ketamine concoction“explains Palamar.

Studies have found lots that contain methamphetamine, MDMA, bath salts, caffeine and opiates. “It’s a concoction that anyone can make if they have a couple of drugs and some pink dye,” Palamar said.

The word ‘tusi’ may have been coined to imitate 2C-B (whose English pronunciation is very similar to ‘tusi’), a recreational drug used in the ‘rave’ scene in the 1990s and known for its euphoric effects, according to an article Palamar published last year. Drug analyzes reviewed by Palamar showed that ‘tusi’ did not usually contain 2C-B.

Nowadays, young people may not know the history of the name ‘tusi’ and may be confused by the name ‘pink cocaine’, he said. “It’s just a pretty fuck that your friends consume. “They probably have no idea what it’s supposed to be,” he says.

Because Is ‘pink cocaine’ dangerous?

The danger is linked to ignorance of its content. Users may end up suffering unwanted effects or taking more than experience tells them they can handle. For example, the ketamine is a powerful anesthetic approved for use during surgical procedures, but in recent years it has been used for recreational purposes and as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. It can cause hallucinations and influence breathing and heart.

“Ketamine It’s not a fun drug. for most people,” says Palamar. “It puts you in your own world and things tend to seem very strange when you take it, especially in large doses.

Someone who is drunk at a party and thinks that cocaine can counteract the effects of alcohol You’re in for a nasty surprise when you see that ‘pink cocaine’ is actually primarily ketamine, he says. “If you have drunk, it will give you nausea and the dissociative effects will not be very pleasant,” he says.

Where does ‘pink cocaine’ come from?

‘Pink cocaine’ is believed to come from Colombiabut it has spread abroad. In September, Spanish authorities seized 21 kg of ‘pink cocaine’ in Ibiza and Malaga in the largest synthetic drug bust in its history. It has also appeared in United Kingdom.

In May, US authorities said they had confiscated ‘pink cocaine’ and other drugs in coasts of Mexico and Central and South America. However, according to Palamar, they could also manufactured by American drug traffickerswho mix their own drugs.