Laboratory analyses typically show that the substance contains the drug ketamine and ecstasy pills, and it is sometimes mixed with more dangerous substances like methamphetamine or the lethal fentanyl, with the addition of a pink food coloring. Kathleen Brown, executive director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, confirmed that "there is no antidote for pink cocaine," and treatment is limited to supporting the patient's vital functions until their body eliminates the toxins. It is worth noting that the drug's origin traces back to Colombia, where it began as a variation of the hallucinogen 2C-B before transforming into a "brand name" for a mixture of dyed drugs, which has recently started reaching even rural areas in America. "An idea is imported, not a product" In an interview with Axios, Joseph Palamar, a professor of population health at New York University, stated: "Tucy is not just a drug being imported; it's an idea being imported." Experts have confirmed that "no two batches are the same," which sharply increases the risk of overdose. A report by Axios warns of a worrying spread of a powder known as "Pink Cocaine" in the United States, noting that its danger lies in the lack of an antidote and users' ignorance of its actual components. Reports have revealed numerous deaths linked to "Pink Cocaine," most notably the death of global singer Liam Payne. A Random Chemical Cocktail The report explains that this drug, known on the streets as "Tucy," is a non-uniform mixture of various chemical substances. It is noted that traffickers do not need to smuggle it as a final product; instead, they manufacture it locally by mixing any available drugs and dyeing them pink to make them "visually appealing" (Instagrammable) and suitable for social media sharing, which has contributed to their popularity. American authorities from Los Angeles to Miami have recorded an increase in seizures of this drug: In New York (2025), quantities of the drug were seized from individuals linked to the Venezuelan "Tren de Aragua" gang. Forensic reports in Miami have documented multiple deaths associated with "Tucy." Initial reports revealed the presence of "Pink Cocaine" in the body of singer Liam Payne (a former member of One Direction) at the time of his death in Argentina in 2024. The drug was mentioned during the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, where a former assistant testified that she was asked to procure it for parties. Medical Warnings American poison control centers warn that users think they are taking a mild stimulant, but they end up experiencing hallucinogenic effects and heart and breathing problems.
