(WWJ) A dangerous street drug has made its way to Michigan.
Pink cocaine has been found in Warren, according to local authorities and the Detroit Drug Enforcement Administration. The substance is pink in color, rarely contains actual cocaine, and often contains psychoactive substances like xylazine — which does not respond to Nalaxone.
According to the National Capital Poison Control Center, the most common drugs that have been found in pink cocaine include 2-CB, MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and caffeine. 2-CB is a psychedelic drug that was first developed to help treat sexual dysfunction, but it was removed from the market due to safety concerns. 2-CB has also been referred to as Tusi, Tuci, Tusibi, and Tucibi. MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is commonly known as ecstasy or Molly and is also a psychedelic drug that also has stimulant properties. Ketamine is a medication that is used in human and veterinary medicine, but has also been abused.
Caffeine, which has stimulant effects — as well as opioids, bath salts, and hallucinogens — have also been found in pink cocaine samples.
Speaking to WDIV-TV, Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Division, describes these substances as "addictive and deadly" and increasingly accessible, even to young people.
In Warren, officers are finding it both in pill and powder form, officials said.
Pink cocaine received national attention after it was associated with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, and found with Sean "Diddy" Combs during his arrest in September.
"It's an international issue right now," Lt. Craig Bankowski of the Warren Police Special Response Team, told WDIV. "It's being marketed to our youth." He said the drug's synthetic nature makes it especially difficult to trace since users can purchase components online and create their own mixtures.
Pink cocaine can cause a variety of effects, depending on what is in the mixture and how much is used. People use the drug to experience a sense of openness, sociability, and euphoria. Adverse effects include hallucinations, anxiety, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, low sodium levels, nausea and vomiting, and rarely, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and coma.
Long term effects can include heart problems, increased risk of stroke, behavioral changes, and addiction.
If you suspect a pink cocaine related overdose, Poison Control says the safest thing to do is to get the person immediate medical attention. Call 911 for help. If the person has a seizure, place them in a safety position on their side. For questions, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222, or get more information at this link.
