In recent years, Colombia has witnessed the rise of a new synthetic drug known as Tusi or pink cocaine, a substance gaining popularity in urban nightlife and among young consumers. Despite its name, Tusi is not cocaine-based but rather a mixture of various synthetic compounds, including ketamine, MDMA, and other psychoactive substances. The composition varies significantly across batches, raising concerns about the unpredictability of its effects and associated health risks.
This study presents an analysis based on data collected by harm reduction organizations working in Colombia, focusing on the chemical composition, patterns of consumption, and associated risks of Tusi. Our findings highlight the role of transnational synthetic drug markets, and the challenges in harm reduction efforts related to this emerging substance.
Furthermore, we examine the policy responses by Colombian authorities and compare them with international approaches to similar synthetic drugs. The research underscores the urgent need for evidence-based drug policies that prioritize public health over criminalization, integrating harm reduction strategies and consumer education.
By shedding light on the dynamics of Tusi's production, distribution, and consumption, this study contributes to the broader debate on how governments should adapt drug policies to address new psychoactive substances in Latin America. The conclusions advocate for a multidisciplinary approach that balances regulation, public health, and human rights in the evolving landscape of drug policy.