At the beginning of September 2024, Spanish authorities carried out an operation targeting drug trafficking networks in Ibiza and Malaga. This led to the largest seizure of synthetic drugs ever made in this country: more than a million ecstasy pills were confiscated, as well as a large quantity of “pink cocaine”, in French).
[Article issu de The Conversation, écrit par Joseph Janes, Lecturer in Criminology, Swansea University]
Responsible for a growing number of deaths, this cocktail of synthetic drugs, whose composition varies, has for some time become a major concern in Spain and other countries, notably the United Kingdom (in France, pink cocaine has been reported from 2022, editor's note). To the point that European drug control organizations have warned of the need to tackle the risks linked to this substance.
What does pink cocaine contain?
Despite its name, pink cocaine does not necessarily contain cocaine. Typically, it is more of a mixture of various other substances, including MDMA, ketamine, and 2C-B. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a stimulant with psychedelic properties, while ketamine is a powerful anesthetic with sedative and hallucinogenic effects. 2C drugs are classified as psychedelics, but can also produce stimulating effects. It was the American biochemist Alexander Shulgin who first synthesized 2C-B in 1974. The modern variant, which appeared around 2010 in Colombia, is a counterfeit version.
Pink cocaine usually comes in powder or pill form. It is notoriously known for its bright color, achieved through food coloring and intended to enhance its visual appeal (in addition, the powder is sometimes flavored with strawberry or other flavors). After gradually gaining popularity on the party scenes of Latin America, pink cocaine – also known under the names “cocaina rosada” and “tusi” or “tusibi” (respective phonetic transcriptions of 2C and 2C-B, pronounced English style) – has spread to Europe.
Russian Roulette
The composition of pink cocaine is unpredictable, which is largely the reason why it is dangerous. When using it, users often expect to be taking a stimulant similar to cocaine, but the presence of ketamine can instead lead to dissociative effects. In addition, ketamine is widely distributed in clubs, and consuming too much of it can cause unconsciousness and difficulty breathing.
We find the same kind of attraction for pink cocaine as for drugs like cocaine and MDMA, substances considered “glamorous” despite the risks associated with their consumption. The appearance and status of a “designer drug” contribute in particular to its appeal to young people and novice users. It is also marketed as a “high-end” product, with a gram costing around $100 in Spain (nearly €90).
But this positioning should not make us forget the very real danger associated with taking pink cocaine, which experts compare to the famous and deadly game of Russian roulette, due to the hazardous composition of the mixture.
In Europe, the drug has traveled from the clubs of Ibiza to the shores of the United Kingdom, where it is now gaining ground in Scotland, as well as parts of Wales and England. On the continent, health authorities are also sounding the alarm (pink cocaine has also been detected in France, Germany and the Benelux, in particular), while, on the other side of the Atlantic, an increase of its availability was also noted in New York.
One of the problems encountered in the fight against pink cocaine is that the drug is difficult to detect by standard drug tests. Furthermore, in Spain, the tests currently used are not yet capable of identifying all the potential components.
The legal response provided varies depending on the country. The Spanish authorities are trying to slow down its distribution. In the United Kingdom, pink cocaine is not explicitly mentioned in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which lists drugs into three classes, A, B and C, based on their harmfulness. On the other hand, the substances that compose it appear there: MDMA and 2C-B are class A drugs, while ketamine belongs to class B.
Reducing the harms of pink cocaine
The increase in consumption of pink cocaine highlights the need to improve access to kits to verify the composition of drugs. This type of tool is essential for reducing the harms of mixtures: they allow users to test the substances they intend to consume, allowing them to identify unknown components, and thus providing a form protection.
Providing this type of service, with a view to reducing the harmful consequences linked to drug use, is a vital issue, as my own work shows in particular. A complementary approach is to implement public awareness campaigns. Finally, establishing support services also plays an important role in the fight against drug harm.
The growing popularity of pink cocaine reminds us that the drug landscape is constantly evolving, particularly driven by fads and trends that spread via social media, which can contribute to the emergence of new threats.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
