Pink Cocaine: The Drug Linked to Liam Payne’s Death and Diddy’s Lawsuit
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The tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne on October 16, 2023, has sparked new concerns around the dangerous substance known as “pink cocaine.” A toxicology report revealed that Payne had a cocktail of drugs in his system at the time of his fatal fall from a third-story balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Among the substances found in his body was pink cocaine, a synthetic party drug that has also surfaced in legal disputes, notably in a lawsuit involving music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
What Is Pink Cocaine?
Despite its misleading name, pink cocaine contains no actual cocaine. The street name for the drug, also known as Tusi or Tuci, refers to a blend of synthetic substances, often including ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines. The drug is named after its bright pink color, which is typically achieved using food coloring. Sometimes, it is flavored with strawberry to make it more appealing and can be consumed either as a pill or inhaled in powder form.
What is 'pink cocaine'? Designer drug linked to Liam Payne and named in Diddy lawsuit https://t.co/bDQpjaZIJ8 pic.twitter.com/C6NYFvt1sx
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) October 22, 2024
DEA agent Bill Bordner clarified the key ingredients often found in pink cocaine, highlighting ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that detaches users from reality. He explained that ketamine is commonly used as a medical treatment for depression but, when abused, can lead to severe dissociation and hallucinations. Pink cocaine often includes ecstasy, which is known for its euphoric effects, alongside methamphetamine, which can lead to erratic behavior and heightened energy. It acts both as a stimulant and a depressant, making its effects unpredictable and dangerous.
The drug originated in Latin America and gained popularity in party scenes for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties. As Bordner noted, it is inexpensive to produce, allowing manufacturers to customize it based on user preferences. However, the unpredictable nature of the drug can lead to dangerous consequences, both physically and behaviorally. According to Dr. Brian Hurley, an addiction psychiatrist, such mixtures can alter a person’s behavior in alarming ways, leading them to act irrationally or violently.
Pink Cocaine’s Role in Liam Payne’s Death
Liam Payne’s toxicology report confirmed the presence of pink cocaine in his system, alongside other dangerous substances. The combination of drugs likely played a role in the erratic behavior Payne exhibited in the days leading up to his death. Hotel staff had reported Payne “trashing” his room and acting erratically during his stay at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. The presence of pink cocaine, known for triggering unpredictable behavior, could explain his actions and potentially contributed to the tragic circumstances of his death.
ABC News reports that Liam Payne had multiple drugs in his system at time of death, including cocaine, benzodiazepine, crack and ‘pink cocaine’ (a mix of several drugs including methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA). pic.twitter.com/hKmkcvs6k6
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 21, 2024
Pink Cocaine’s Connection to Diddy’s Lawsuit
Pink cocaine’s involvement in high-profile cases extends beyond Payne’s death. Earlier this year, the drug appeared in a lawsuit filed against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs by his former music producer, Rodney Jones. The lawsuit alleges that Diddy required his staff to carry a pouch filled with various drugs, including pink cocaine (Tuci), ecstasy, marijuana gummies, and more. According to the lawsuit, the pink cocaine used by Diddy’s employees was a combination of ecstasy and other stimulants, similar to the composition found in Payne’s toxicology report.
The inclusion of pink cocaine in both Payne’s death and Diddy’s legal troubles highlights the dangerous prevalence of this drug in party scenes and among celebrities. Its unpredictable effects make it particularly risky, as users may not know exactly how it will impact their behavior or health.
Pink cocaine, despite its seemingly playful name, is a dangerous synthetic drug that poses serious risks to users. Its presence in the tragic death of Liam Payne and its connection to the lawsuit involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs underscore the broader issue of drug abuse in the entertainment industry. With its unpredictable effects and the alarming behaviors it can trigger, pink cocaine is a growing concern that demands greater awareness and prevention efforts.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
