What is the recreational drug and why is it pink? [Video]

A recreational drug called “pink cocaine” is getting attention and causing confusion since it doesn’t typically contain cocaine.

Pink cocaine is also known as “tusi”, but both nicknames for the powder are more about marketing than reality

The pink powder may look pretty, but it can have some very unpleasant side-effects – especially when combined with alcohol. (AP)

Experts say it rarely contains cocaine and is more likely to contain ketamine, a drug with very different effects.

Pink cocaine is pink thanks to food colouring or dye, said Joseph Palamar, who studies drug trends at NYU Langone Health in New York.

“Sometimes it has cocaine in the mix, but it’s typically more of a ketamine concoction,” Palamar said.

Studies have found batches containing methamphetamine, MDMA, bath salts, caffeine and opioids.

“It’s a concoction that anyone can make if they have a couple of drugs and a pink dye,” Palamar said.

The …