Pink cocaine–known by the street names tusi, tussi, tuci, or tusibi–is a recreational drug that consists of a mixture of multiple psychoactive substances. It exists in the form of a pink-dyed powder. Contrary to its name, the drug typically does not contain cocaine. There is no fixed formula of pink cocaine, so its composition varies dramatically. It often contains a mix of ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), caffeine, methamphetamine, and sometimes even fentanyl. [source]
Pink cocaine first became popular as a party drug in Columbia, and later in the United States and Europe. The mixture can cause serious health problems and has been linked to overdoses, hospitalizations, and deaths, including that of former One Direction singer Liam Payne. [source, source]
1 Historical Development
The name tusibi is a phonetic resemblance of 2C-B, or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine. 2C-B was first created in the 1970s by Alexander Shulgin, a Californian pioneer designer of psychedelic drugs. He invented over 100 different psychedelics, among them 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, better known as MDMA or ecstasy. The experience of 2C-B is seen as a synergy between MDMA and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), combining heightened sensory experiences with euphoria. The effects last for a few hours. [source, source]
In 1995, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed 2C-B as a Schedule I drug (highest risk of abuse and no accepted medical use). As a result, the drug became more of a niche product.
Things changed when 2C-B became popular in Colombia in the 2000s. The elite club scene embraced the drug as a lifestyle tool and party booster, making it popular among higher classes of society. The price of 2C-B made the drug unaffordable for other budget-conscious “consumers.”
By the mid 2010s, 2C-B was pushed out of the ingredient list of the drug cocktail, dropping the price of tusi. Cartels are the biggest beneficiary of this move – by mixing leftover drugs and dying them pink they portray it as fun and pretty, targeting specifically a younger audience. [source, source]
2 Production and Distribution
Pink cocaine is primarily produced in laboratories in South America, particularly Colombia. Reports indicate that such labs also exist in Europe, for example in Spain. The production process involves mixing various drugs and precursors together and adding food colors or other coloring agents. The lack of a fixed “recipe” for pink cocaine has led some people to make pink cocaine at home in their kitchens to reduce the risk of intoxication with bad batches. [source, source, source]
The distribution networks for pink cocaine are extensive and often involve organized crime syndicates. The drug typically travels from South America through Central America and Mexico before reaching markets in the United States, Europe, or Australia. Smugglers utilize hidden compartments in cargo ships, speedboats, and small aircraft to bypass border checkpoints, while dealers increasingly exploit the dark web and encrypted messaging apps to connect with buyers, evading traditional law enforcement detection. Despite its often low manufacturing costs, the price for a gram of pink cocaine in developed countries can range between 20 – 100 USD. [source, source]
2.1 Pink Cocaine Composition
The composition of pink cocaine can vary significantly from batch to batch, making it particularly risky for users. Most common ingredients found in pink cocaine currently include:
- MDMA: Known for its stimulant and empathogenic effects, MDMA is a popular party drug.
- Ketamine: A dissociative anesthetic that can induce hallucinations and altered perceptions.
- Methamphetamine: A potent stimulant that can lead to severe addiction and health issues.
- Caffeine: Often included for its stimulant effect.
Pink cocaine usually does not contain any actual cocaine. Manufacturers add colorants to achieve the pink color. Other substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and even synthetic drugs like bath salts or fentanyl may also be added, which adds to the potential harm and risks of overdose. [source, source]
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2.2 Health Effects
Depending on its content, pink cocaine usually does not cause physical addiction. However, the euphoria and elevated state of mind caused by the substances can lead to repeated use and psychological dependence due to its effects on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Clinically, this can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, and potential long-term mental health issues, such as depression or psychosis due to neurochemical imbalances caused by repeated use.
The unpredictable composition heightens the lethality of pink cocaine. The presence of potent substances, like fentanyl, can lead to overdose situations even with small amounts. Users may not be aware of the actual contents of what they are consuming, significantly increasing the risk of fatal outcomes. [source]
3 Involvement of Criminal Actors
The market of pink cocaine is largely dominated by cartels who seek ways to increase profits. They manage the supply chain from production to distribution. These criminal organizations utilize complex financial networks for money laundering, making it challenging for authorities to trace and intercept their profits. Violence and corruption are common tactics employed by these groups to maintain control, often intimidating communities, border agents, and local authorities. To attract buyers, dealers market pink cocaine as a “premium” product on social media and within nightlife scenes, leveraging its bright color and novelty to appeal to young consumers. Pink cocaine has become closely linked with Colombian guaracha, a style of electronic house music often referencing the drug in the lyrics. [source, source]
Mixing synthetic drug leftovers and giving it a new color and name seems to have elevated profit margins. It also highlights the landscape of synthetic substances. Drug traffickers scope out new ways to grow their markets; for instance, targeting younger people in the rave and club scenes. The pink color of tusi gives it a “fun” and “pretty” appeal. This combination of organized crime’s operational strategies and targeted marketing efforts contributes to the spread of pink cocaine. [source]
3.1 Law Enforcement Countermeasures
As the popularity of pink cocaine increases, it has popped up more frequently on law enforcement radars. Since tusi is a mixture of substances, it does not exist as a single drug itself. It can be created from household items that are legal or harmless, further complicating countermeasures.
That said, the share of pink cocaine relative to other drugs appears to be small: In August 2022, police found 13 kilos of pink cocaine in Europe, on the island of Ibiza, Spain, along with regular cocaine and ketamine. In November 2024, a man from Sydney attempted to import 250kg of pink cocaine into Australia. In the US, the DEA has seized a total of 960 samples of pink powders since 2020, compared to 180 million fentanyl pills. [source, source, source]
Nevertheless, international cooperation and law enforcement responses to pink cocaine trafficking have increased. This includes stricter border controls, surveillance, canine units, and AI-driven analytics to detect suspicious cargo and financial transactions. Intelligence sharing among international agencies such as the DEA, Interpol, and Europol is equally important. [source]
4 Conclusion
Pink cocaine is regaining popularity, particularly in the party and rave scene. The drug is manufactured mainly in South America, from where cartels organize the worldwide shipping and distribution. While its use can be fun and relatively harmless in theory, unknown substance mixtures can lead to serious health consequences and even death. Similar to other synthetic substances like fentanyl, drug cartels are the biggest beneficiary. It allows them to increase their revenue and keep their operations running.
In addition to counternarcotics operations, demand reduction, harm reduction, and public awareness initiatives surrounding pink cocaine are essential in mitigating its dangers and protecting users. Community education through public health campaigns, school programs, and accessible online resources can significantly raise awareness about the risks associated with pink cocaine.
