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NEW YORK – A potent and often misunderstood drug cocktail known as “Tusi” or “pink cocaine” is seeing increased use among adults attending electronic dance music (EDM) events in New York City nightclubs, according to a new study. Research published in the scientific journal Addiction highlights the potential dangers associated with the substance, whose name and appearance can be highly deceptive.
The study estimates that in 2024, approximately 2.7% of adults attending EDM nightclubs in NYC reported using Tusi within the past year. The prevalence was notably higher among attendees identifying as Hispanic and those who reported using other drugs.
Tusi, which also goes by “tucibí” or “tusibí,” emerged in Latin America and Europe over the last decade. Its name often causes confusion, as “Tusi” is phonetically similar to “2C,” a family of psychedelic drugs, and “tucibí” is a phonetic translation of “2C-B,” a specific psychedelic. The drug is also frequently marketed as “pink cocaine” (“cocaina rosada”), further misleading potential users into believing they are consuming a psychedelic or relatively pure cocaine.
However, chemical analyses and reports indicate that Tusi rarely contains 2C-class drugs. Instead, it is typically a mixture, most commonly containing ketamine and MDMA (ecstasy), sometimes combined with actual cocaine or other substances.
“People who use illicit drugs are often at risk of using drugs adulterated or even replaced by other drugs,” explained lead author Dr. Joseph Palamar, an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “But Tusi puts people who use drugs at an even higher risk, partly because it is easily confused with two other types of drugs – 2C series or cocaine – and partly because Tusi is pretty much always a concoction of various drugs. This greatly increases the risk of adverse or unexpected effects.”
The study’s findings are based on self-reported data collected via electronic tablet surveys from 1,465 adults entering 124 different EDM events hosted by NYC nightclubs between January and November 2024.
While new to systematic study in the US, drug checking programs in countries like Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile have been identifying ketamine/MDMA mixtures marketed as Tusi or pink cocaine for several years, dating back to at least 2018-2019. The researchers note a lack of comprehensive drug checking data specifically focused on Tusi within the United States.
The rise of Tusi underscores the unpredictable nature of the illicit drug market and the importance of harm reduction strategies and accurate information for potential users.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding a scientific study on drug use trends. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage the use of any illicit substances. The use of unregulated drugs carries significant health risks, including the potential for overdose, poisoning from unknown adulterants, and unpredictable adverse reactions. If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, please seek professional medical advice or contact relevant support services.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080596#:~:text=But%20Tusi%20puts%20people%20who,of%20adverse%20or%20unexpected%20effects.%E2%80%9D
