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By Jill K. Sanders, Esq.

It’s a drug that goes by many names – tuci or tusi, tucibi, cocaina rosada. Whatever you call it, pink cocaine has hit the US drug market. In New York and California, the drug has been popping up on law enforcement’s radar. What’s most concerning is that the drug is an unknown combination of other narcotics. Often, the drug contains no cocaine and may even contain fentanyl.

What is Pink Cocaine?

The name “tucibi” is a phonetic translation of “2C-B.” In the 1970s, 2C-B was synthesized by a chemist in the US and is part of a larger group of hallucinogenic phenethylamines. This class of drugs includes those which produce the visual effects of LSD and the euphoria of MDMA. While many of these compounds were banned, 2C-B remained popular underground in Europe.

In South America, a mixture of drugs was created several years ago that its creators called “tucibi,” even though it generally doesn’t contain any 2C-B. However, this mixture often has hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. While it is called pink cocaine due to its pink, powdery appearance, it often doesn’t contain any cocaine.

In Colombia, the drugs popularity is well established. Moreover, the drug has even influenced guaracha reggaeton music there, as it is popular in nightclubs. After expanding in South America, the drug was used in Europe; now, it has reached the shores of the US.

Video: “The ‘Pink Cocaine’ Wave,” VICE High Society Series

So What’s Really In Pink Cocaine?

In reality, pink cocaine is most often made of ketamine. Additionally, drug makers may “bulk” up the product by adding caffeine powder or other non-narcotics. Other drugs may also be mixed in, including methamphetamine, MDMA, ecstasy, and opioids.

Because cocaine is a stimulant that can produce euphoria, those taking tucibi may not experience the results they are anticipating due to the drug’s misnomer. In contrast to cocaine, ketamine is a sedative that can cause loss of consciousness and labored breathing. It can also cause hallucinations.

Due to the fact that the drug has no consistent composition, it is almost impossible for a user to be aware of what they are taking. As such, a user may be exposing themselves to ingesting something unwanted. For many, a real concern is that the drug may contain deadly amounts of fentanyl.

Law Enforcement’s Response to Pink Cocaine

Here in New York, the NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office has done at least seven investigations involving pink cocaine. On a national level, the Drug Enforcement Administration considers the drug a rising concern. In this regard, dangerous drug cartels are believed to be capitalizing on the trend.

In June 2024, a crew of the U.S. Coast Guard returned to base after a deployment in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. During this tour, the crew seized nearly 35,000 pounds of cocaine and more than 140 pounds of tucibi.

The drug also has been linked to Sean “Puffy” Combs. In a lawsuit filed by Combs’ former producer and videographer, Combs was accused of sexual assault. Additionally, it is alleged that Combs regularly used tuci. Moreover, the lawsuit alleges his employees were required to carry this and other drugs. The lawsuit also alleges Combs’ former girlfriend brought tuci to a music festival via private jet from Florida to Virginia.

References:

• Joshua Rhett Miller, “‘Pink Cocaine’ Emerging as New Threat in Drug Market, Experts Warn,” Newsweek (Jul. 13, 2024). Available at: https://www.newsweek.com/pink-cocaine-drugs-narcotics-tusi-dea-coastguard-1923902 (last accessed Jul. 19, 2024).
• Alicia Nieves, “What is tusi? The pink street drug gaining popularity in the US,” The Hill (Jul. 18, 2024). Available at: https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/4779389-what-is-tusi-the-pink-street-drug-gaining-popularity-in-the-us/ (last accessed Jul. 19, 2024).

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