What is 'pink cocaine', the drug cocktail at the centre of an alleged Sydney plot?

A Sydney man has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plot to import 252kg of a dangerous illicit drug cocktail known as 'pink cocaine' into Australia by international air cargo.

A shipment of 252kg of 'pink cocaine' has been seized on Australian shores. Credit: Australian Federal Police

It's a party drug that has worried many experts overseas — and now it's hit Australian shores.

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into a transnational drug trafficking syndicate has led to the seizure of 252kg of 'pink cocaine' — a dangerous party drug cocktail — in Sydney.

Pink cocaine contains a mixture of ketamine, MDMA and synthetic psychedelics.

Despite its name, pink cocaine is made of a cocktail of other drugs. Credit: Australian Federal Police

A 21-year-old Sydney man has been charged for his alleged involvement after the drugs were seized in international air cargo labelled as containing an industrial saw.

The AFP undertook a controlled delivery operation and on 6 November the consignment was delivered to an address in the Sydney suburb of Castle Hill and allegedly accessed by the man.

Inside the delivery cargo were packages of pink cocaine with Pink Panther-themed packaging.

AFP acting superintendent Stuart Millen says the seizure of such a large quantity of pink cocaine is concerning. Credit: Australian Federal Police

AFP acting superintendent Stuart Millen said the seizure of such a significant quantity of pink cocaine destined for Australia was a concern for police across the country.

"Pink cocaine is made up of an unpredictable cocktail of illicit drugs, meaning anyone who consumes the drug has no idea what they are putting in their body. Despite the name, it rarely contains cocaine," Millen said.

"The AFP is closely monitoring the notable increase in pink cocaine detections domestically, and offshore, throughout 2024.

"This outcome has prevented a large amount of illicit drugs from reaching our communities and causing harm, and put a sizeable dent in the wallets of organised crime."

What is 'pink cocaine'?

Pink cocaine, also known as 'Tusi', is a synthetic party drug that has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths, including One Direction singer Liam Payne. Payne was found to have pink cocaine in his system at the time of his death in October.

Despite the name, there's usually little to no cocaine in it. It's actually a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and 2C-B, a synthetic psychedelic drug.

It's usually found as a bright pink powder or pills and is often dyed with food colouring to enhance its visual appeal.

The drug had a surge in popularity in the party scene in Latin America around 2010, especially in Colombia. It later spread to party areas in Spain like Ibiza and Malaga, before spreading throughout Europe.

Why is 'pink cocaine' so dangerous?

Many doctors and experts are worried about pink cocaine due to its unpredictable mix of substances, often described as a 'Russian roulette' of party drugs.

Users will rarely know what combination of stimulants and psychedelics are in the drug.

While some might expect a stimulant similar to cocaine, the inclusion of ketamine can lead to serious health risks, including unconsciousness or dangerously laboured breathing.