A dangerous drug cocktail linked to the death of One Direction star, Liam Payne, is causing widespread concern around the world.
The much-loved singer, 31, had reportedly taken a mixture of drugs known as 'pink cocaine' before his tragic death last week in Argentina.
Materials extracted from the star's body in an autopsy following his death on Wednesday had reportedly determined the presence of the Class-A drug, which contains a lethal mixture of MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack.
The designer drug, which dates back to the 1970s and resurfaced in its modern form in Colombia around 2010, quickly grew in popularity in Latin America, and has now spread to Europe.
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)Pink cocaine, which reportedly sells for £76 a gram, is popular on the party scene in South America and can create an altered sense of reality. It contains a mixture of synthetic substances, including MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and amphetamines, while some variations contain LSD, mescaline, and opioids like fentanyl.
The potentially lethal cocktail is a synthetic mixture of drugs - which ironically does not include cocaine. The three most common substances included are MDMA, ketamine and 2C-B.
MDMA, or ecstasy, is a common party drug. Ketamine, which is also popular, is a powerful anaesthetic with dissociative, sedative and hallucinogenic effects.
2C-B is a less popular substance, however it is a potent psychedelic drug with hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. MDMA and 2C-B are both Class A drugs, while Ketamine is Class B.
Pink cocaine has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths in recent years. The drug is typically found in powder or pill form and is known for its vivid pink colour, which is artificially added to make it more appealing.
One of the main concerns about pink cocaine, sometimes known as ‘tusi’, stems from the erratic mix of substances, which are equally dangerous.
The addition of ketamine is of particular concern, as abuse of the substance can lead to loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing, which can lead to death in some cases.
Liam died after suffering multiple traumas leading to an "internal and external haemorrhage". It has since emerged that he had traces of Class A drugs in his system – despite being clean in the days leading up to his death.
Friends have since claimed that the dad-of-one was "preyed on" by local drug dealers and had been clean just two days prior having undergone medical examinations in order to renew his American visa.
Now, the star's heartbroken dad, Geoff, who flew out to Argentina hours after his son's death has vowed to remain with him until he is able to return to the United Kingdom. Prosecutor Andrés Esteban Madrea, the lead investigator into Liam's death has warned the devastated dad that it could be ten days until the examination results are confirmed and he is unable to bring Liam back to the UK before this.
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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