Also known as 2-CB, Pink Powder or “Tuci” in Brazil

Toxicological tests carried out on singer Liam Payne, who died last Wednesday, 16th, after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, showed the presence of “pink cocaine” in the former band member’s body. One Direction. The information was presented by ABC News.

Also known as 2-CB, Pink Powder or “Tuci” in Brazil (a Portuguese derivation of the English pronunciation Two-C), pink cocaine is a hallucinogenic synthetic drug, capable of causing distortions of reality, euphoria and the feeling of depersonalization – that is, the feeling that there is a disconnection with one’s body and thoughts.

Despite its name, the drug is not a derivative of white cocaine. The name is given because of the euphoric effect, agitation and feeling of well-being that the two drugs cause in those who consume them – in addition to both being sold and used in powder form. However, unlike the “traditional” one, the rose causes hallucinations.

The color comes from a type of dye added to make the product pink and its sale more attractive and impactful.

The drug is synthetic and produced from a mixture of ketamine or ketamine (an anesthetic), MDMA (associated as a synonym for Ecstasy), caffeine and methamphetamine. According to ABC News, cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack can also be used to produce this cocktail.

This composition makes pink cocaine more expensive due to the high production cost. Therefore, it is also known to be used by people with high purchasing power. It is also dangerous, since the user does not always know precisely what they are using and putting into their own body.

Still on its properties, the drug usually causes a feeling of agitation and excitement at first, which later evolves into hallucinations. This second effect makes consumption more risky because it prevents the user from clearly measuring the consequences of their actions, placing them in dangerous situations.

In a text published by the Federal Pharmacy Council (CFF) in April last year, professor José Roberto Santin, doctor in toxicology, explains that the stimulating effect and hallucinations caused by pink cocaine are due to the presence of methamphetamine and/or LSD.

“The user is subject to seeing and doing extreme things, without an accurate notion of the reality around them”, he declares.

According to the professor, who is also coordinator of a CFF Toxicology Working Group, the use of the drug in extreme doses can cause heart overload and, as a consequence, lead the person to a heart attack; in addition to addiction, dependence and overdose in cases of excessive consumption.

This is because, according to information presented by Hospital Santa Mônica, also in a text published on its website, the effect of amphetamines from pink cocaine on the brain is greatly exaggerated, causing an abrupt increase in dopamine and noradrenaline – neurotransmitters associated with pleasure

As an effect, the body itself regulates the increase in these chemical substances, reducing the number of receptors for these neurotransmitters. Result: the next time a user uses the drug, the body will demand even greater quantities to be able to generate the same effect produced when it was used the first time.

“Furthermore, as the pink powder is considered a hallucinogen, its users may suffer from the distortion of reality. Some possible symptoms are auditory hallucinations, paranoia or panic, creating a danger for themselves and others”, warns the institution.

Despite being more common in other South American countries, such as Argentina and Colombia, this drug has also been seized in Brazil.