Image: Image: Supplied, Australian Federal Police (AFP)
A 21-year-old man has been arrested after more than 250 kg of pink cocaine was seized by Australian authorities.
The shipment, with an estimated wholesale value of $37.8 million, marks Australia’s largest bust of this drug, which contains a potentially deadly mix of illicit substances
The Australian Federal Police launched an investigation into an international drug syndicate following the interception of drugs in October.
A 252 kg shipment of “pink cocaine”, packaged with Pink Panther branding and marked as industrial goods, was intercepted by the AFP.
What is Pink Cocaine?
The substance, also known as ‘tusi’ commonly contains mixtures of ketamine, MDMA and other adulterants, and rarely contains cocaine.
Pink cocaine is dyed with food colouring or coloured baking powder, to distinguish it from other substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Typically found in powder or pill form, its vibrant colour is designed to enhance its visual appeal. The drug acts as a mind-altering psychedelic drug and ingesting pink cocaine is extremely dangerous as the unpredictable mix of substances in the drug cocktail can be lethal.
21-year-old Matraville Man Charged
A Matraville resident has been charged in connection with the attempted smuggling of the dangerous drug.
The AFP carried out a controlled delivery to a Castle Hill address, where the man allegedly accessed the shipment. The man was arrested in Coogee shortly after, and was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
A toxicology report following the death of One Direction star Liam Payne in Argentina indicated the singer had consumed the drug.
The drug has also been mentioned in a complaint filed against Sean “P Diddy” Combs , employees working for the rapper were required to carry it, claiming it was the rapper’s preferred drug.
AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen expressed serious concerns over the seizure of such a large quantity of ‘pink cocaine’, warning that the drugs posed a threat to public safety.
Millen said the discovery of the drug raised serious alarm among law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“’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,” he said.
“The dangers of all illicit drug consumption can be severe, including loss of consciousness, stroke, heart attack and even death. Consuming a cocktail of illicit drugs significantly increases those risks,” Millen added.
Pink Cocaine’s Russian Roulette
Acting Superintendent Millen stated that branding the drug mixture as ‘pink cocaine’ was a tactic designed by drug syndicates to exploit users and maximise profits at the cost of their health and welfare of users.
“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.”
He appeared before Downing Centre Local Court last Thursday where he was formally refused bail.
The 21-year-old is expected to next return to court on 29 January 2025.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.
For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.
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