By James Connolly
A huge haul of the deadly party drug dubbed “pink cocaine” – the same substance previously linked to the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne – has been seized by cops.
The brightly colored powder was found alongside ecstasy, heroin and ketamine after officers swooped on a suspected drugs deal in Liverpool, Merseyside, on Feb. 4.
Cops spotted what they believed was a drugs deal shortly after 9pm.
When two men climbed into a van after the exchange, they were stopped by police.
Inside, they found blue tablets suspected to be Class A drugs and a quantity of cash – and both men were arrested.
Cops later searched a nearby house, uncovering bags of powder – including what is suspected to be pink cocaine – white rocks, eight mobile phones, scales and more cash.
An electric bike and scooter were also seized.
Despite its name, pink cocaine does not usually contain any cocaine – and is instead a dangerous mix of psychoactive substances, most commonly including MDMA, ketamine and amphetamines.
Its striking color comes from food coloring added to the mix to distinguish it from other drugs and make it more visually appealing on the party scene.
Pink cocaine hit headlines after reports said that Liam Payne had the substance in his system when he fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
The drug has gradually gained traction in club and rave cultures around the world because of its blend of stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.
After yesterday’s bust, two men, aged 31 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property.
They remain in police custody awaiting questioning.
Police estimate around 2kg each of ketamine, heroin and cocaine – plus about half a kilo of the pink powder – were taken off the streets.
Inspector Chris Taylor said: “Drug dealing is a blight to our communities which affects those who live and work in the area, causing misery to families and often involves the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Criminals involved in organized crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.”
