What is “pink cocaine”, this fruit-flavored drug that shows up at rave parties?

On social networks and in the evenings, its strawberry, banana or even passion fruit aroma attracts more and more fans. Since 2021, “pink cocaine”, known as “pink cocaine”, has burst into French rave parties. Last September, Spanish authorities seized over 357 kg of ecstasy, 212 kg of ketamine, 73 kg of MDMA, 20 kg of cocaine, 21 kg of pink cocaine in Ibiza. But what is it about?

According to a report from the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Trends dating from June 2023, pink cocaine would have arrived gradually between 2021 and 2022, first in Île-de-France, Occitanie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes and would be resold between 60 and 70 euros per gram. But contrary to what its name might suggest, it is not made of cocaine. Additionally, the name “pink cocaine” refers to two different drugs with similar effects and dangerousness: “One is a mixture of several stimulant and hallucinogenic substances such as ketamine, MDMA or caffeine. The other is the nickname given to the 2 CB [prononcer à l’anglaise “tucibi”]another drug also pink and sold at the same price”indicates to Figaro Pr. Laurent Karila, addictologist and psychiatrist at Paul-Brousse hospital (AP-HP).

Hallucinations, intense fever or even “k-hole”

Like cocaine, “Pink Panther”, “Pink C” or even “Chinese Coke” comes in powder form and is consumed by intranasal inhalation. Side effects can be very serious. “The mixture of ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and caffeine increases the risk of hallucinations, “bad trips” or panic attacks, but also heart and lung problems, as well as a fever that can be fatal or hepatitis. fulminant, even “k-hole” leading to a feeling of imminent death”warns Professor Laurent Karila.

According to the addictologist, if pink cocaine was first used at rave parties or “chemsex” evenings, it risks spreading, especially among young people. “It’s rosy, there is a “Barbie” marketing side, which explains that it is spreading on social networks, because young people find it “cool”. But it is indeed dangerous. concludes Professor Laurent Karila.