What is pink cocaine? The “unpredictable” party drug linked to Liam Payne’s death

British pop star Liam Payne fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week, sending shockwaves across the entertainment world. Now a toxicology report has revealed that he had “multiple substances in his system” at the time of his death, including a drug called “pink cocaine.” Accordingly Newsweek, Pink cocaine is a designer drug that experts have likened to “Russian roulette.” This substance poses significant health risks, including potential long-term psychological harm and even death.

What is pink cocaine?

Pink cocaine, a highly potent and unpredictable designer drug, is a powdered mixture of various psychoactive substances, including methamphetamine, MDMA, hallucinogens, crack cocaine, bath salts, benzodiazepines and caffeine. The drug gets its characteristic pink color from the addition of food coloring and sometimes has a strawberry flavor. Also known as “Tusi”, it has been very popular in the Latin American party scene since 2018. In New York, a gram can cost between $20 and $100 and the drug is mostly sold online and through social media.

Despite its name, pink cocaine does not necessarily contain traditional cocaine and has also been found in four regions in the UK and Europe.

Its composition and effects differ significantly from conventional cocaine. Users report euphoric and psychedelic experiences, altered sensory perception, and intense euphoria, which distinguishes it from the purely stimulant effects of regular cocaine.

Possible side effects may vary but may include anxiety, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased body temperature. The drug poses serious health risks, including overdose, long-term psychological harm and addiction. Its unpredictable potency and composition make it a dangerous gamble for users, hence its name “Russian Roulette”.

“Pink cocaine is called “Russian roulette” because its composition varies drastically between batches. This inconsistency means that consumers never know what they are consuming because the drug often contains a mixture of different substances, sometimes including dangerous or unknown chemicals. “Such unpredictability significantly increases the risk of overdose or serious side effects,” said Joseph Janes, a lecturer in criminology at Swansea University Newsweek.

''In addition to its unpredictable composition, pink cocaine is particularly worrisome because of its deceptive effects. Its bright color and recent celebrity associations may give the impression that it is a safer and more glamorous alternative to traditional drugs, especially in lively party environments. “However, the reality is far more dangerous as it often contains a mixture of unknown and potentially deadly substances,” Mr Janes continued.

It remains unclear whether pink cocaine played a role in singer Liam Payne's death, and conclusive toxicology reports are not expected for several weeks. However, the drug is increasingly linked to an increasing number of drug-related deaths. In addition to pink cocaine, the drugs detected in Payne's bloodstream included benzodiazepines, crack cocaine and cocaine.

About Liam Payne

Payne gained worldwide fame as part of the now-defunct pop band One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. The boy band got their start after finishing third on the UK version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010, but in 2016 the group disbanded as its members pursued various projects, including solo careers.

One Direction was voted the third greatest boy band of all time by Entertainment Weekly in 2024. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Payne's One Direction and solo career helped her achieve a net worth of around $70 million.

In a joint statement, Payne's former bandmates expressed their sadness over his death, emphasized their cherished memories of him and requested privacy in their grief. “As time goes on, and everyone is able, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved very much,” they said. They also stated that their thoughts are with the English singer's family, friends and fans.