Disturbing Discovery of New Narcotic in Cape Town - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Disturbing Discovery of New Narcotic in Cape Town

4 mins read
pink cocaine drug arrest

A new potent narcotic known as ‘pink cocaine’, ‘Tucibi’ or ‘Tusi’ has been discovered in Cape Town, South Africa, primarily distributed to wealthy drug users. The drug, originally popularized in Spain, is easily recognizable by its distinct pink, powdery form. Its emergence highlights the ever-changing threat of drugs, emphasizing the need for law enforcement, community members, and drug counselling centers to remain vigilant and adaptable. A recent arrest of a suspect in possession of the drug was made possible due to a tip-off from concerned citizens, raising fresh concerns about the extent of the city’s drug problem.

Disturbing news emerges from Cape Town as law enforcement discover a new potent narcotic known as ‘pink cocaine’, ‘Tucibi’ or ‘Tusi’. Originally popularized in Spain, the drug is easily recognizable by its distinct pink, powdery form and is primarily distributed to wealthy drug users who are already accustomed to cocaine. The emergence of pink cocaine highlights the ever-changing threat of drugs, emphasizing the need for law enforcement, community members, and drug counselling centers to remain vigilant, proactive, and adaptable in their readiness to confront new challenges.

In a revelation that left the peaceful city of Cape Town reeling, their local law enforcement recently revealed the presence of a potent new narcotic in the Grassy Park district. This frightening finding, which occurred last Thursday, signaled the entry of a drug known as ‘pink cocaine’, ‘Tucibi’ or ‘Tusi’ into South Africa’s drug scene for the first time.

Originally popularized in Spain, this potent narcotic is easily recognized by its distinct pink, powdery form. Its distribution in South Africa appears to cater primarily to wealthy drug users who are already accustomed to cocaine, marking a novel development within the nation’s drug landscape.

Community Tip-Off Leads to Arrest

This significant breakthrough was instigated by a tip-off from alert and concerned citizens, alarmed by what they suspected to be drug-related activities taking place in their neighborhood. Colonel Dawood Laing, the station commander in Grassy Park, led the subsequent operation, which resulted in the successful arrest of a 28-year-old suspect. The apprehended individual was found to be in possession of 10 packets of the striking pink narcotic.

The apprehended individual, a formerly unnoted figure within the local drug community, was taken into custody and is expected to face charges at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court. Colonel Laing emphasized the crucial role that community involvement played in this case and encouraged residents to maintain this level of alertness and proactive stance in the ongoing battle against drugs.

New Concerns and Questions

This introduction of pink cocaine into Cape Town’s drug scene raises fresh concerns about the extent of the city’s drug problem and shines a spotlight on the constant evolution of the illegal narcotics trade, as suppliers and dealers adjust their strategies in response to changing law enforcement tactics and shifts in consumer preference.

Ashley Potts, a former director of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, expressed his serious concerns about the local emergence of pink cocaine. He pointed out the deadly nature of this drug, which is based on fentanyl and often mixed with an array of other substances, including hallucinogens, ecstasy, opioids, and even bath salts.

Potts urged officials to promptly conduct tests to determine the actual components of this new narcotic. His worries focus on the potential for unknown elements to be added to the drug, leading to unpredictable harm to users. The drug’s unique pink shade, Potts noted, could potentially be disguised as a tactic to evade detection by the authorities.

Official Response and Ongoing Struggle

Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen lauded the arrest and took this opportunity to again highlight the devastating impact of the illegal drug trade on communities. He underscored the fact that the sale of drugs serves as a primary source of income for gangs, igniting a cycle of relentless violence. Since his appointment to Parliament in 2019, Allen has been outspoken in his stance against drugs and gangsterism, vowing to enhance his engagement with the provincial commissioner to tackle Cape Town’s narcotics problem.

This recent arrest marks a new phase in Cape Town’s ongoing battle against drugs. As the police heighten their investigations, tracing the background and supply routes of this new narcotic, the residents of Cape Town are reminded of the continuously changing threat of drugs. The emergence of pink cocaine drives home the fact that the struggle against this scourge is far from finished. It reinforces the need for law enforcement, community members, and drug counselling centres to remain vigilant, proactive, and adaptable in their readiness to confront the new challenges that the underground drug trade continually presents.

What is ‘pink cocaine’, ‘Tucibi’ or ‘Tusi’?

‘Pink cocaine’, ‘Tucibi’ or ‘Tusi’ is a new potent narcotic discovered in Cape Town, South Africa, originally popularized in Spain. It is easily recognizable by its distinct pink, powdery form and is primarily distributed to wealthy drug users who are already accustomed to cocaine.

How was the presence of ‘pink cocaine’ discovered in Cape Town?

The presence of ‘pink cocaine’ in Cape Town was discovered through a tip-off from alert and concerned citizens who suspected drug-related activities taking place in their neighborhood. The subsequent operation led by Colonel Dawood Laing resulted in the successful arrest of a 28-year-old suspect found in possession of 10 packets of the narcotic.

What are the concerns about the emergence of ‘pink cocaine’ in Cape Town?

The emergence of ‘pink cocaine’ in Cape Town raises fresh concerns about the extent of the city’s drug problem and shines a spotlight on the constant evolution of the illegal narcotics trade. Its deadly nature, based on fentanyl and often mixed with an array of other substances, including hallucinogens, ecstasy, opioids, and even bath salts, is a cause for concern. There are also worries about unknown elements being added to the drug, leading to unpredictable harm to users.

What is the official response to the arrest of the suspect in possession of ‘pink cocaine’?

Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen lauded the arrest and highlighted the devastating impact of the illegal drug trade on communities. He underscored the fact that the sale of drugs serves as a primary source of income for gangs, igniting a cycle of relentless violence. Since his appointment to Parliament in 2019, Allen has been outspoken in his stance against drugs and gangsterism, vowing to enhance his engagement with the provincial commissioner to tackle Cape Town’s narcotics problem.

What role does community involvement play in the fight against drugs in Cape Town?

Community involvement plays a crucial role in the fight against drugs in Cape Town. The successful arrest of a suspect in possession of ‘pink cocaine’ was made possible due to a tip-off from concerned citizens. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against drugs.

What is the need for law enforcement, community members, and drug counselling centers in the fight against drugs?

The emergence of ‘pink cocaine’ in Cape Town highlights the ever-changing threat of drugs, emphasizing the need for law enforcement, community members, and drug counselling centers to remain vigilant and adaptable in their readiness to confront new challenges. The struggle against drugs is far from finished, and it reinforces the need for a collaborative effort to combat the underground drug trade continually presents.

Previous Story

The Resurgence of the Sharks: Anticipating a New Era of Greatness

Next Story

The Enchantment of Cape Town’s Petting Zoos

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.