Liam Payne's 'pink cocaine' - what is the drug 'found by toxicologists' after his death?

An autopsy has reportedly unveiled that Liam Payne had 'multiple drugs' in his body when he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week. US-based ABC News claimed that a substance known as 'pink cocaine' was among them, after viewing toxicology results following the 31-year-old's sudden death.

But what exactly is this drug? Despite it's name, the dangerous cocktail doesn't often contain cocaine, according to experts at UK Addiction Treatment Centres. Instead, it's typically a blend of numerous drugs including ketamine, MDMA and 2C-B, served in a vibrant pink pill or powder form.

It's understood that the drug initially gained popularity among party scenes in Columbia, and is also nicknamed 'Eros', 'Venus', 'pink powder', 'tuci' and 'tucibi' among some users. "Its spread has been eased by its appeal as a novel party drug that combines the effects of multiple substances, offering a unique and intense high," an explanation from the UK Addiction Treatment Centres also adds.

"The drug’s popularity surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, as lockdowns and social isolation drove increased drug use." Taking pink cocaine may have a number of short-term effects on the mind, including an intensified sense of happiness or euphoria and an enhanced sense of reality.

But experts suggest this can quickly develop into very negative feelings like anxiety, paranoia and even hallucinations. Although some suggest it isn't as addictive as other drugs like fentanyl, it's still possible to get addicted to pink cocaine.

WebMD even claims that long-term users may experience heart and blood vessel damage in addition to brain changes. For instance, some users may experience personality changes, memory problems, depression while struggling to stay focused. This especially regards variations with ketamine and MDMA as its key components.

"Pink cocaine includes a mix of drugs that can affect you in different ways. This combo can trigger side effects that are uncomfortable, scary, or harmful," WebMD explains. "This drug is also made in unregulated labs, so there’s no way to know how strong of a dose you’re getting or what substances you’re taking. You might have symptoms you can’t handle or overdose without meaning to."

According to Sky News, toxicological examinations of Liam Payne's body are not yet complete. It's understood that the One Direction star's body will remain in Argentina until further investigations conclude.