DEA Warns of Pink Cocaine Appearing in Colorado
Authorities in Colorado are seeing an emerging drug trend, as tusi, or pink cocaine, has started appearing during DEA raids across the state. Jonathan Pullen, special agent in charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Division, confirmed that tusi—a pink powder often containing a mix of cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, and other substances—has been discovered during recent arrests in the Denver metro area. While pink cocaine has been found in other parts of the U.S., its presence in Colorado is relatively new, raising concerns among law enforcement agencies about its potential spread.
The drug, known as a “party” or “club” drug, first gained popularity in Miami and has been linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, an international criminal organization operating in South and Central America. Studies have shown that tusi can contain a variety of substances, including MDMA, bath salts, opioids, and caffeine, making it especially dangerous due to its unpredictable composition. Unlike traditional drugs with known effects, pink cocaine is a high-risk substance because users often do not know exactly what they are taking, increasing the chances of overdoses and dangerous reactions.
While the DEA does not yet consider pink cocaine widespread in Colorado, agents are closely monitoring its presence as it continues to surface in drug enforcement operations. Pullen emphasized that the drug’s arrival in the state is concerning, as it follows the pattern of other synthetic drugs that have spread rapidly once introduced. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, working to intercept shipments and dismantle distribution networks before the drug becomes more prevalent in Colorado’s underground market.
