The drug is called “pink cocaine” – but rarely contains cocaine.
Instead, it is a potentially lethal mix of narcotic substances that make up the powder cocktail described as one of the most dangerous party drugs on the market.
– All it takes is for a drug dealer to mix in fentanyl, which can poison a large number of people, says Joseph Palamar, associate professor at New York University to New York Times.
When One Direction star Liam Payne was found dead in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he allegedly had a number of substances in his body. Including the extremely potent drug “pink cocaine”, which has gained a foothold in North America above all but also Europe for a few years.
At the same time, pink powder is said to have been found in music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ hotel room when he was arrested by police on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
Becoming more and more popular
But it is not only celebrities who use the drug, but authorities warn that it is spreading more and more throughout the world.
One reason why the drug is increasing in popularity is that it is relatively cheap and can be mixed with anything possible. Usually it is sold online or in social media.
Drug cartels in Mexico have also turned their attention to pink cocaine, which originates in Colombia. The concoction can consist of ketamine, ecstasy, opioids and psychoactive substances such as bath salts.
Can cause panic attacks and amnesia
Users have described the high as “out of body”, as if they are disconnected from their brains. At the same time, the drug can cause panic attacks, amnesia and heart problems. Narcotics prosecutors have also flagged the fact that “pink cocaine” was present in several rape cases.
In Europe, the EU drug agency EMCDDA has warned that drug abuse is increasing, not least when it comes to mixing different substances like “pink cocaine”.
– We have never had so many drugs available in Europe, said agency director Alexis Goosdeel to the Financial Times this summer.
Nightclub profile: “Everybody takes it”
TV4 Nyheterna has contacted the Swedish police to get an answer to how it looks in Sweden, but has not yet received any response.
For The Express an anonymous nightclub profile has described the drug as designed for partying and aimed at young women.
– Everyone drives it. It smells like strawberry. I’ve seen a lot of celebrities suck in the shit too, he told the newspaper in an article from June this year.