What is tusi? The pink street drug gaining popularity in the US

It is also known as pink cocaine, though it rarely contains any cocaine.

by Alicia Nieves | Jul. 18, 2024

Bags containing a powder known as Tusi or pink cocaine are pictured in Medellin, Colombia, on April 2, 2022. – Three decades after Pablo Escobar’s shot body was left on a Medellin rooftop, drug trafficking continues and, at present, markets for flavored cocaine, local crack, pharmaceutical drugs and ketamine-based hallucinogens are rife for in his hometown. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Story at a glance

A new drug, known as “tusi” or “tuci,” short for tusibi/tucibi, is becoming popular, especially in New York and California.

It consists of a powdery version of ketamine mixed with random other illegal substances and then dyed pink.

Officials say it is dangerous and fuels crime.

NEW YORK (NewsNation) — A new pink-tinged synthetic drug is becoming popular in the United States, particularly in New York and California.

The drug, known as “tusi” or “tuci,” short for tusibi/tucibi, originated in Colombia and typically consists of a powdery version of ketamine mixed with random other illegal substances and then dyed pink.

On the street, it’s often referred to as “pink cocaine,” although it rarely contains actual cocaine.

‘Pink cocaine’ allegedly linked to Diddy investigation

As more details emerge about the sex trafficking investigation involving hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the drug has also been referred to as “the Diddy drug.”

In a lawsuit filed by Combs’ ex-girlfriend Yung Miami, she alleges that she transported the drug for him on private planes, the Daily Mail reported.

Authorities note the celebrity association has further fueled the drug’s popularity in New York City.

Tusi marketed by migrants on social media

Tusi first appeared on law enforcement’s radar in New York City last year. Authorities now report that it’s gained popularity as South American gang members, who’ve entered the U.S. as migrants, are aggressively selling it on the streets of NYC.

These migrants are not only distributing the drug on the streets but also marketing it on social media.

The increased popularity of the drug, combined with its mix of substances, makes it extremely risky and has led to an increase in overdoses in the city.

Authorities warn that the profits of tusi are fueling the expansion of migrant gangs in New York City, potentially spreading to other parts of the country.

Tusi isn’t just a concern in NYC

Major drug busts across the country have recently included tusi.

Earlier this year, on the West Coast, pink cocaine was confiscated during a drug bust at a northern California donut shop.

Shortly after, the drug was found among other contraband in a $468 million bust by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America near San Diego. According to an admiral involved with offloading drugs, the street value of the seized drugs was nearly $2 billion.