It is a social gathering drug that has fearful many specialists abroad — and now it is hit Australian shores.
An Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation right into a transnational drug trafficking syndicate has led to the seizure of 252kg of ‘pink cocaine’ — a harmful social gathering drug cocktail — in Sydney.
Pink cocaine accommodates a combination of ketamine, MDMA and artificial psychedelics.
Regardless of its identify, pink cocaine is made from a cocktail of different medicine. Credit score: Australian Federal Police
A 21-year-old Sydney man has been charged for his alleged involvement after the medicine had been seized in worldwide air cargo labelled as containing an industrial noticed.
The AFP undertook a managed supply operation and on 6 November the consignment was delivered to an tackle within the Sydney suburb of Fortress Hill and allegedly accessed by the person.
Contained in the supply cargo had been packages of pink cocaine with Pink Panther-themed packaging.
AFP appearing superintendent Stuart Millen says the seizure of such a big amount of pink cocaine is regarding. Credit score: Australian Federal Police
AFP appearing superintendent Stuart Millen stated the seizure of such a major amount of pink cocaine destined for Australia was a priority for police throughout the nation.
“Pink cocaine is made up of an unpredictable cocktail of illicit medicine, which means anybody who consumes the drug has no concept what they’re placing of their physique. Regardless of the identify, it hardly ever accommodates cocaine,” Millen stated.
“The AFP is carefully monitoring the notable improve in pink cocaine detections domestically, and offshore, all through 2024.
“This consequence has prevented a considerable amount of illicit medicine from reaching our communities and inflicting hurt, and put a sizeable dent within the wallets of organised crime.”
What’s ‘pink cocaine’?
Pink cocaine, also referred to as ‘Tusi’, is a that has been linked to a rising variety of drug-related deaths, together with . Payne was discovered to have pink cocaine in his system on the time of his demise in October.
Regardless of the identify, there’s normally little to no cocaine in it. It is really a mixture of ketamine, MDMA, and 2C-B, an artificial psychedelic drug.
It is normally discovered as a vivid pink powder or capsules and is usually dyed with meals colouring to reinforce its visible attraction.
The drug had a surge in reputation within the social gathering scene in Latin America round 2010, particularly in Colombia. It later unfold to social gathering areas in Spain like Ibiza and Malaga, earlier than spreading all through Europe.
Why is ‘pink cocaine’ so harmful?
Many medical doctors and specialists are fearful about pink cocaine as a result of its unpredictable combine of drugs, typically described as a ‘Russian roulette’ of .
Customers will hardly ever know what mixture of stimulants and psychedelics are within the drug.
Whereas some may count on a stimulant much like cocaine, the inclusion of ketamine can result in severe well being dangers, together with unconsciousness or dangerously laboured respiratory.
