What is pink cocaine, the “designer” party drug that is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers around the world? – First post

A synthetic drug cocktail called Pink Cocaine has quickly become a major problem in Spain, the UK and beyond. Earlier this month, Spanish authorities carried out their largest-ever synthetic drug raid, seizing a large quantity of pink cocaine and more than a million ecstasy pills. The operation targeted drug networks in Ibiza and Malaga.

This dangerous substance has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths. The unpredictable composition and increasing popularity of pink cocaine have sparked calls from European drug harm reduction organizations for urgent action to address the risks associated with it.

What is pink cocaine?

Despite its name, pink cocaine doesn't necessarily contain cocaine. Instead, it is often 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 considered psychedelics, but can also have a stimulating effect.

Pink cocaine usually comes in powder or pill form and is known for its bright color, which is said to enhance its visual appeal. It is colored with food coloring and sometimes with strawberry or other flavorings.

The original psychedelic form of the drug dates back to 1974 and was first synthesized by American biochemist Alexander Shulgin. However, the modern variant emerged in Colombia around 2010 and is an imitation.

The drug enjoyed great popularity in the Latin American party scene and has now spread to Europe. Common names for pink cocaine vary widely, from “cocaina rosada” and “tuci” to “Venus” and “Eros.”

“The Designer Drug”

Today's pink cocaine is an unpredictable mix of substances and therein lies much of its danger. Users often expect a cocaine-like stimulant, but the addition of ketamine can lead to serious health risks. Abuse of ketamine, which is widely used as a club drug, can cause loss of consciousness or dangerous shortness of breath. This, in turn, increases the potential dangers of pink cocaine.

Its aesthetic appearance and status as a “designer drug” have contributed to its appeal, particularly among young people and first-time users. This reflects the historical appeal of drugs like cocaine and MDMA. It highlights an ongoing trend in which certain substances are glorified despite their risks.

Experts compare using pink cocaine to playing Russian roulette with substance use, underscoring the unpredictable and dangerous nature of pink cocaine.

The drug has spread beyond Ibiza to the UK, and there is evidence it has gained traction in Scotland, parts of Wales and England. Across the Atlantic, New York City also saw an increase in its availability.

Health authorities across Europe are alarmed. Pink cocaine is difficult to detect using standard drug tests, particularly in Spain, where the current testing system cannot yet identify all components.

The drug is sold in Spain for around $100 per gram (£76) and is often marketed as a high-end product. Legal responses vary and Spanish authorities are working to contain the spread.

In the United Kingdom, pink cocaine falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which divides drugs into three categories based on their perceived harm: Class A, B and C. While pink cocaine itself may not be explicitly listed, the substances commonly found within it are a legal control. Both MDMA and 2C-B are Class A drugs, while ketamine is Class B.

What harm reduction tools are there?

One of the most pressing needs highlighted by the rise of pink cocaine is accessible drug control services. Drug testing kits are an important harm reduction tool for people who want to test the substances they plan to consume. These kits can help users identify unknown components and provide a layer of protection in a high-risk environment.

My own work shows how important such harm reduction services are. Public awareness campaigns and support services also make an important contribution to harm reduction.

The growing popularity of pink cocaine is a stark reminder of the ever-changing illicit drug landscape, where aesthetics, social media trends and risky behavior can converge to create new threats. Although the pink hue and “designer” label appeal to a younger audience, the unpredictable cocktail of chemicals it contains poses a serious and growing danger.

As pink cocaine continues to spread across Europe and beyond, it is vital that authorities, health services and the public are prepared for the risks involved.

Joseph Janes, lecturer in criminology, Swansea University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.