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Not So Pretty in Pink

29 0
05.10.2024

There’s a new-ish drug in town, highly dangerous and unpredictable, and causing effects from euphoria to seizures, anxiety, hallucinations, heart rate changes, and even cardiac arrest. Pink cocaine, also known as “tusi” or “tucibi,” is a designer drug containing no (or almost no) cocaine and a mix of psychoactive substances. The composition of the drug varies widely depending on the batch, but common ingredients include pink food coloring, ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic), MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamine. Other substances like caffeine, opioids, fentanyl, or novel designer drugs may be present, making it an even more unpredictable and dangerous drug.

Pink cocaine, which originated in Colombia, was also named after the synthetic compound “2C,” though it rarely contains this substance. It has been a party drug in Latin America since about the 2010s, particularly in Colombia and Mexico, but it has spread to Europe and parts of North America. Tusi is particularly linked with reggaeton music scenes and Latin American party culture. This connection is part of its image as a trendy, exotic, and high-status substance. Pink cocaine has also gained popularity in Miami. Miami's vibrant nightlife and party culture make it a hot spot for the drug, particularly at invitation-only VIP events and upscale venues. As in other regions, typical users in Miami tend to be young adults frequenting clubs, festivals, and private events. Miami's close ties to Latin American cultures and its role as a gateway for drug trends from South America have contributed to the drug’s presence in the city.

The drug is pink because of pink food coloring, added during production to give it a distinctive appearance. Both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) are concerned about the growing popularity of pink cocaine and the significant health risks it poses.

According to expert Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, at the University of Florida, “Tinted with food coloring, this concoction is usually very cheap, which........

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