Despite its colorful appearance and sweet scent, pink cocaine hides a dangerous reality. Let’s clear up a common misconception right away: this trendy party substance isn’t actually cocaine at all.
Pink cocaine (often called “tusi” or “tucibi”) is a deceptive mixture typically containing ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and sometimes deadly fentanyl. The bright pink color comes simply from food coloring, creating an almost candy-like appearance that masks its serious dangers.
The recent tragic death of One Direction singer Liam Payne has thrust this substance into the spotlight, but it’s been gaining popularity in nightlife scenes across Latin America, Europe, and now the United States for several years.
What makes pink cocaine particularly concerning is its unpredictability. According to CBS News analysis of nearly 1,000 DEA seizures, an alarming 99.5% of pink powder contained ketamine mixed with various other substances. This means users never really know what they’re taking with each batch.
Since January 2024 alone, America’s Poison Centers has documented five pink cocaine exposures in the U.S., resulting in three hospitalizations with life-threatening symptoms and one unconfirmed death. Medical experts are clear: “The only way to avoid the risks of pink cocaine is to not use it.”
The substance typically sells for about $10 per gram – a relatively low price that, combined with its playful appearance, creates a false sense of safety especially among young adults aged 18-29. Research from Latin America shows over 60% of users consume it monthly or more frequently, highlighting its growing presence in party scenes.
Despite having “cocaine” in its name, this substance is legally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its dangerous components. Its Colombian origins have now spread to a global phenomenon, with seizures increasing dramatically in recent years.
While many users are drawn to the reported mix of stimulant and hallucinogenic effects, the reality is that each batch can produce wildly different and potentially deadly reactions depending on its specific chemical makeup.
Find more about what is pink cocaine:
Despite what the name suggests, pink cocaine isn’t cocaine at all. This dangerous misconception leads many people into risky territory. Pink cocaine (commonly called “tusi” or “tucibi”) is actually a synthetic drug cocktail that typically contains ketamine as its main ingredient, mixed with substances like MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, caffeine, and sometimes deadly additions like fentanyl or xylazine.
The name “tusi” comes from how Spanish speakers pronounce “2C” – referring to 2C-B, a synthetic psychedelic. Ironically, DEA testing shows most pink cocaine samples don’t contain any 2C-B at all. Since 2020, the DEA has examined 960 samples of pink powder, and only 4 actually contained 2C-B.
“When people are seeking pink cocaine and they think they’re buying pink cocaine, they’re actually buying a drug that’s laced with fentanyl and they have no idea and they’re overdosing and dying,” explains DEA special agent Frank Tarantino.
What gives this substance its distinctive pink color? Simple food dye or colored baking powder. This coloring serves a dual purpose – it distinguishes it from other white powders and creates an appealing, less threatening appearance that can attract younger users. Many batches even come scented with strawberry or other sweet fragrances, further masking their danger.
This bright color and sweet smell create a false sense of safety. Users might think, “How dangerous could something pink and sweet-smelling be?” The answer: extremely dangerous.
CBS News analyzed DEA data from nearly 1,000 seizures and found that 99.5% of pink powder contained ketamine mixed with other substances. Common combinations include:
At around $10 per gram – much cheaper than traditional cocaine – pink cocaine has become increasingly accessible to younger users, fueling its growing popularity.
| Characteristic | Pink Cocaine | Traditional Cocaine |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Synthetic lab-made mixture | Natural plant derivative (coca leaves) |
| Main effects | Mixed: hallucinogenic, stimulant, dissociative | Primarily stimulant |
| Duration | 4-8 hours | 15-30 minutes |
| Main ingredients | Ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine | Cocaine hydrochloride |
| Appearance | Pink powder or pills, sweet smell | White powder, bitter taste |
| Typical price | ~$10 per gram | $50-100 per gram |
| Primary risks | Unpredictable mixtures, unknown potency | Cardiovascular issues, addiction |
| Legal status | Schedule I (most components) | Schedule II |
On the street, you might hear pink cocaine called tusi or tuci (most common), tucibi, 2C or 2-CB (though remember, most samples don’t contain actual 2C-B), pink powder, pink lady, or simply pink cocaine. Some old-school users might even call it Nexus (a historical name for 2C-B).
The substance typically appears as a fine powder ranging from light to bright pink, depending on how much food coloring was used. Many batches have a sweet, fruity smell (often strawberry) added to increase appeal. Sometimes it’s pressed into pink pills or tablets instead of powder.
People consume pink cocaine in several ways, with snorting being the most common method – similar to how traditional cocaine is used. Some users opt for swallowing it, either as pills/tablets or by “bombing” (wrapping powder in tissue paper). Less commonly, people might rub it on their gums for faster absorption. A rare and extremely dangerous method is injection, which carries additional risks given the unknown mixture of substances.
Pink cocaine thrives in urban nightlife areas with active club scenes, particularly in cities like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. While it originated in Colombia around 2007, it has since spread globally, gaining popularity throughout Latin America, Europe, and increasingly across the United States.
Joseph Palamar, a researcher at NYU Langone, notes: “A lot of people just think it’s this new powder that’s going around… when it really started increasing was around mid-2023.” Researchers tracking Reddit posts about the drug saw mentions nearly double during the summer of 2023, prompting alerts from the National Drug Early Warning System.
Pink cocaine creates a dangerous and unpredictable experience that can change dramatically from one batch to the next. Since it typically contains both stimulants (like MDMA or methamphetamine) and dissociatives (like ketamine), it creates what experts call a “speedball” effect—a risky combination that can overwhelm even experienced drug users.
The real danger of what is pink cocaine lies in its inconsistency. You simply never know what you’re getting, which significantly increases your risk of having a bad reaction or overdosing. One batch might cause mild euphoria, while another could lead to a hospital visit.
According to America’s Poison Centers, people who take pink cocaine might experience euphoria and energy boosts alongside hallucinations and feeling detached from reality. Your heart rate and blood pressure can spike dangerously high while your senses become distorted. Many users report confusion, agitation, and paranoia.
As one anonymous user candidly shared in research: “You don’t know what is in it every time… I gave it back, it’s dangerous.”
In the United States, pink cocaine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning authorities consider it to have no medical value and a high potential for abuse. Most of its common ingredients (ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine) are also tightly controlled.
When someone takes pink cocaine, the effects typically begin within 30-60 minutes and can last 4-8 hours—significantly longer than traditional cocaine’s brief 15-30 minute high. What happens during those hours depends entirely on what’s actually in that particular batch.
Most users experience dissociation—a floating, detached feeling primarily caused by ketamine. Hallucinations are common but usually less intense than with traditional psychedelics. Your heart rate may become dangerously rapid (tachycardia), which is particularly risky if you have any underlying heart conditions.
Nausea and vomiting frequently occur, especially with higher doses. Many people experience anxiety and paranoia ranging from mild uneasiness to full-blown panic attacks. Dehydration is a serious concern, particularly in club settings where you might be dancing for hours without drinking water.
The combination of substances typically creates an intense euphoria and increased sociability, which explains the drug’s popularity at parties and clubs. However, these pleasant feelings come with significant confusion and difficulty concentrating. Your pupils will likely dilate noticeably—a common physical sign that someone has taken the drug.
Dr. Suzette Glasner warns in her “One Fact, One Act” newsletter that the unpredictable mixture of substances creates an experience that can quickly turn dangerous: “Its effects are unpredictable due to variable mixtures.”
Recognizing a pink cocaine overdose could save someone’s life. Because the drug typically contains multiple substances, overdose symptoms can be complex and frightening.
Watch for extreme agitation or aggression, dangerously high body temperature, seizures, severe confusion, slow or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe hallucinations, or excited delirium (a dangerous condition involving extreme agitation and hyperthermia).
If you suspect someone is overdosing on pink cocaine, take these immediate steps:
Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call for help during an overdose. Remember what medical professionals emphasize: “Emergency workers aren’t there to judge you or report you to the police.” They just want to save lives.
Using pink cocaine regularly can cause serious damage to your body and mind. The drug often contains multiple addictive substances that work together to create powerful dependency.
Your heart takes a significant hit from chronic stimulant use, potentially leading to heart muscle damage, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and persistent high blood pressure. Your brain suffers too—long-term ketamine use has been linked to memory problems, attention deficits, and decreased cognitive function.
Mental health deterioration is common, with users facing increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis, and persistent perceptual changes. Your kidneys and bladder can develop serious problems from regular ketamine exposure, including a painful condition called ketamine cystitis. Neurological damage may become permanent as brain chemistry and function change over time.
The addiction potential of pink cocaine is particularly concerning. When ketamine combines with stimulants like methamphetamine or MDMA, you’re more likely to develop both physical and psychological dependence. You might notice you need more to feel the same effects (tolerance), or experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you’re not using. Many people find themselves spending increasing time and money obtaining and using the drug, continuing despite negative consequences to their health, relationships, or work.
Withdrawal can be especially difficult because it may involve multiple types of symptoms simultaneously, depending on which substances are present in your system. You might experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, intense cravings, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, psychosis.
For more information about addiction potential, visit our page on how addictive is cocaine.
The only way to completely avoid the risks of what is pink cocaine is not to use it. However, we understand that harm reduction information is crucial for those who may encounter this substance. If you or someone you know chooses to use pink cocaine despite the risks, here are some ways to reduce potential harm:
Use drug-checking services whenever possible. Organizations like DanceSafe offer reagent testing kits that can identify some substances in a sample. Fentanyl test strips are particularly important given how frequently this deadly opioid appears in pink cocaine.
Start with a very small amount if you choose to use. Take much less than you think necessary and wait at least an hour to see how it affects you before considering taking more. Your body will thank you for this caution.
Never use alone. Always have a sober friend present who knows what you’ve taken and can respond if something goes wrong. This simple step saves countless lives.
Avoid mixing with other substances. Combining pink cocaine with alcohol, other drugs, or medications dramatically increases your risk of serious complications or death.
Keep naloxone (Narcan) accessible. This life-saving medication can reverse opioid overdoses, which is crucial if fentanyl is present in the mixture. Many pharmacies now provide it without a prescription.
Stay hydrated but be smart about it. Drink water regularly, but don’t overdo it—excessive water consumption can lead to dangerously low sodium levels (hyponatremia).
Know what an overdose looks like and make sure your friends do too. Education about warning signs and proper response can save lives when minutes matter.
Take breaks and stay cool if you’re in a club or party setting. Regular breaks from dancing help you cool down and check in with yourself about how you’re feeling.
Many cities now have harm reduction organizations that provide education, testing services, and support at events where drug use is common. These services can be lifesavers for people who choose to use substances despite knowing the risks.
Fentanyl testing is particularly crucial with pink cocaine. According to DEA data, some samples have tested positive for this potent opioid, which can be lethal in tiny amounts—as little as 2 milligrams, about the size of a few grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose. Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology has documented the unpredictable effects of 2C-B and similar substances, highlighting the importance of caution when encountering any pink powder marketed as a party drug.
What is pink cocaine? As we’ve explored throughout this article, it’s a dangerous cocktail of substances hiding behind a playful name. It’s not cocaine at all, but rather an unpredictable mixture primarily containing ketamine along with stimulants, hallucinogens, and sometimes deadly opioids like fentanyl—all dyed pink to create a false sense of safety and appeal.
The growing popularity of pink cocaine, especially among young adults, isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a serious concern that has already led to hospitalizations and deaths. When someone uses this substance, they’re essentially playing a dangerous game of chemical roulette because no two batches are exactly alike.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with pink cocaine use or any substance use disorder, please know that compassionate, effective help is available. At Still Water Wellness Group, we understand addiction isn’t just about the substance—it’s about the whole person. That’s why we offer personalized treatment programs designed to address each individual’s unique journey.
Our addiction treatment center in Orange County provides a peaceful, supportive environment where healing can truly begin. Nestled near the beautiful Saddleback Mountain and Laguna Beach areas, our facilities offer a serene setting for recovery away from the triggers and stresses of everyday life.
When you come to Still Water Wellness Group, you’ll find a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, individual therapy to address underlying issues, and group counseling that helps build community with peers who truly understand what you’re going through. We also emphasize family therapy to heal relationships damaged by addiction, incorporate holistic approaches like mindfulness and nutrition, and provide thorough aftercare planning to support your continued recovery.
Recovery begins with a single brave step—reaching out for help. Whether you’re worried about your own substance use or concerned about someone you love, our compassionate team is here for you 24/7 to provide guidance, support, and information about treatment options. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Recovery isn’t just possible—it happens every day. With the right support and treatment, people overcome substance use disorders and go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The journey may not be easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
For more information about our cocaine detox services and how we can help with pink cocaine or other substance use issues, reach out to Still Water Wellness Group today. Our team proudly serves communities throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Lake Forest.
Don’t wait until pink cocaine leads to a crisis—take that first step toward a healthier future today. A better tomorrow is waiting, and we’re here to help you find your way there.
Discover holistic and evidence-based treatments at Laguna Beach detox center. Start your recovery journey in…
Discover how meditation for addiction recovery aids self-control, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention. Start your…
Discover how binge drinking is ruining my life and explore paths to recovery, health risks,…
Explore couples therapy rehab options for addiction and relationship dynamics. Discover benefits, costs, and optimal…
Learn how to manage detoxing from drugs and alcohol symptoms with expert insights, treatment options,…
Overcome fentanyl withdrawal challenges with expert guidance, medication, and support. Explore effective treatments and personalized…
This website uses cookies.