What is pink cocaine? Learn more about dangerous drugs linked to Liam Payne, Sean “Diddy” Combs and more

A recreational drug called 'pink cocaine' has hit the headlines in recent days – it has been linked to well-known figures such as Liam Payne and Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The powder – also called “Tusi” – contains methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA, bound with a splash of dye. The last few months have seen drug seizures, toxicology tests for the One Direction singer and even lawsuits against Diddy.

What exactly is pink cocaine?
The name is somewhat misleading and experts say the pink drug very rarely contains cocaine. It is usually a “ketamine blend,” but users often have no real idea of ​​what they are consuming. Studies have found batches containing methamphetamine, MDMA, bath salts, caffeine and opioids.

In simpler terms, it's a concoction that anyone can make as long as they have some medicine and pink dye on hand.

According to a study published last year by Joseph Palamar, the word “Tusi” may have been coined in imitation of 2C-B – a recreational drug used in the rave scene in the 1990s and known for its euphoric effects. Drug analyzes reviewed by the NYU Langone researcher showed that Tusi did not normally contain 2C-B.

Is it dangerous?
Substance abuse can be a dangerous (and usually illegal) habit. The threat posed by “pink cocaine” also arises from the uncertainty about its contents. Users may become ill, experience adverse effects, or ingest more than experience shows they can handle.

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic approved for use in surgery. However, in recent years it has also been used recreationally and to treat depression, anxiety and pain. It can cause hallucinations and affect breathing and the heart. Palamar notes that it is not a “fun drug” for most people and can transport a person into their own little world.

“Someone who gets drunk at a party and thinks that cocaine might offset the effects of alcohol is going to be unpleasantly surprised by pink cocaine, which is actually mostly ketamine… If you've been drinking, you'll feel sick. And the dissociative effects will not be very pleasant,” he said.

What does it have to do with Liam Payne?
Payne was killed earlier this month after falling from a third-floor hotel room in Buenos Aires. ABC News and TMZ said a partial autopsy found a drug cocktail called “pink cocaine.” Prosecutors said autopsy results suggested the British singer had “experienced an episode of drug abuse” before his death. Reports citing toxicology tests listed crack cocaine and benzodiazepines among the drugs found in his body.

However, according to US media reports, officials in Argentina refused to release toxicology test results for Payne.

Incidentally, employees at the hotel in Buenos Aires had called emergency services twice to report a guest “overwhelmed by drugs and alcohol” who was “destroying” a hotel room. Payne has also spoken publicly in the past about struggles with substance abuse and dealing with fame.

What does it have to do with Sean “Diddy” Combs?
The popular party drug was named in a lawsuit against the music mogul earlier this year. According to a report from CBS News, pink cocaine has been linked to the sexual assault and drug trafficking case against Diddy filed by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones.

“All employees, from butlers to cooks to housekeepers, had to walk around with a bag or fanny pack filled with cocaine, GHB, ecstasy, marijuana gummies and Tuci (a pink drug that is a combination of ecstasy and cocaine ) were filled. “The publication quoted the 79-page lawsuit as saying.

(With contributions from agencies)