British pop star Liam Payne fell to his death from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week, shocking the entertainment world. Now, a toxicology report has revealed that he had “multiple substances” in his system at the time of his death, including a drug known as “pink cocaine.” According to Newsweek, pink cocaine is a designer drug that experts liken to “Russian roulette.” This substance poses serious health risks, including potential long-term psychological damage and even death.
What is pink cocaine?
A highly potent and unpredictable designer drug, pink cocaine is a powdered mixture of various psychoactive substances, including methamphetamine, MDMA, hallucinogens, crack, bath salts, benzodiazepines, and caffeine. This medicine has a distinctive pink color due to the addition of food coloring, and may also have a strawberry flavor. The drug, also known as “Tusi,” has been popular on the Latin American party scene since 2018. In New York, one gram costs between US$20 and US$100, and the drug is primarily sold online and through social media.
Despite its name, pink cocaine does not necessarily contain traditional cocaine and is also found in the UK and four regions of Europe.
Its composition and effects are significantly different from traditional cocaine. Users report euphoric and psychedelic experiences, altered sensations, and intense euphoria, distinguishing it from the pure stimulant effects of regular cocaine.
Potential side effects vary but may include anxiety, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased body temperature. This drug poses serious health risks, including overdose, long-term psychological damage, and addiction. Its unpredictable potency and composition make it a dangerous gamble for users, hence the name “Russian Roulette.”
“Pink cocaine has been nicknamed ‘Russian Roulette’ because its composition varies significantly from batch to batch. This discrepancy is because drugs often contain mixtures of different substances, sometimes including dangerous or unknown chemicals, so users have no idea what they are ingesting. It means I don’t know. This unpredictability greatly increases the risk of overdose and serious side effects,” Joseph Janes, a lecturer in criminology at Swansea University, told Barron’s.
“Pink cocaine is of particular concern due to its unpredictable composition, as well as its deceptive appeal. Due to its bright color and recent association with celebrities, pink cocaine is often used as a substitute for traditional drugs, especially in lively party settings. It may give the impression that it is a safer and more attractive alternative to drugs, but the reality is far more dangerous, as it often contains unknown and potentially deadly substances. ” Janes further stated.
It remains unclear whether pink cocaine played a role in singer Liam Payne’s death, with a definitive toxicology report expected to take several weeks. However, the drug is increasingly being linked to an increasing number of drug-related deaths. In addition to pink cocaine, drugs found in Payne’s bloodstream included benzodiazepines, crack, and cocaine.
About Liam Payne
Payne rose to global fame as part of the post-disbanded pop band One Direction, along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. The boy band started in 2010 after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show, but disbanded in 2016 as the members pursued various projects, including solo careers.
One Direction was ranked the 3rd greatest boy band of all time by Entertainment Weekly in 2024. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Payne’s One Direction and solo career have earned her a net worth of approximately $70 million.
In a joint statement, Payne’s former bandmates expressed their shock at his death, highlighted their cherished memories of him and asked for privacy during their time of grief. “Over time and when everyone is able to say, we will have more to say. But for now, we will take time to grieve and accept the death of a brother we loved dearly.” “We intend to do so,” they said. They also said their thoughts were with the British singer’s family, friends and fans.
