What is Pink Cocaine?

In the ever-evolving world of synthetic opioids, “Tusi,” also known as “pink cocaine,” has emerged as a potent and perplexing drug cocktail. It has recently gained traction in the US, particularly in New York and California, and is a mixture of ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and other substances. Contrary to its nickname, Tusi rarely contains actual cocaine. Instead, it often consists of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with sedative and hallucinogenic effects. 1

Confusion and Risks of Pink Cocaine

In Latin America and parts of Europe, Tusi gets its name from the 2C family of drugs, which includes phenethylamine compounds with psychedelic and stimulant effects. 2C-B, the most recognized compound in its family, became a popular 1990s recreational drug, often substituting for MDMA.

Although ‘Tusi’ likely derives its name from the 2C family, it rarely contains drugs from that group. Due to its pink appearance, it is also known as “pink cocaine,” despite rarely containing cocaine itself.

The substance has been linked to several law enforcement seizures. Notably, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a significant haul of over 140 pounds of Tusi along with a staggering 35,000 pounds of cocaine.2

MX908 and Pink Powders

Drug concoctions like Tusi emphasize the need to detect a wide range of drugs at low concentrations effectively. The MX908 can identify all the typical components commonly found in Tusi such as ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, at trace levels (invisible/nanogram level). Trace capability enables officers to analyze surfaces of packages and baggies, identifying contents without risking exposure to unknown drug powders. Given the rampant use of lethal fentanyl, this precaution has become a significant concern for many law enforcement officers. This method allows officers to identify the contents without exposing themselves to synthetic opioids.

References

  1. Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape, Joseph J. Palamar, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
  2. ‘Pink Cocaine’ Emerging as New Threat in Drug Market, Experts Warn