Drug cocktail ‘made in USA’ – the death of ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne clearly shows the dangers of the various substances. Martin Busch from the Health Austria Competence Center for Addiction explains the background of the dangerous designer drug in the “Krone” interview.
The shock following the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne is still deep among fans around the world. As reported, the British pop star fell to his death from the balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. Initial toxicology tests have revealed that the One Direction star had been taking several medications before his death. Also the so-called pink cocaine.
P. Diddy is said to have invented the hype
This is a drug cocktail – a mix of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA. Also around the fallen hip-hop mogul “P. Diddy” Sean Combs uses the popular “Pink Cocaine” multiple times in the prosecution documents. Record producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones accused the man in custody of drugging, sexually harassing and threatening him – precisely under the influence of the new star drug.
In fact, according to several American media reports, a retired employee of the US anti-drug agency DEA described the cocktail as a “cheap party drug”. In New York City, the drug was mainly associated with P. Diddy in the drug scene. Drug researchers in New York secretly announced that the drug cocktail was being dubbed the “diddy drug” by users.
Liam Payne’s funeral this week
According to Argentine newspaper La Nation, the released body of British singer Liam Payne will now be returned to Britain. All necessary documents must be ready. The English newspaper “The Sun” has already written that the funeral service for the 31-year-old pop star will take place at St. Paul’s Church in Wolverhampton, the dead man’s birthplace.
Martin Busch, department head of the Competence Center for Addiction at Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, knows the dangerous substance involved in the death of the 31-year-old Briton – “pink cocaine” is no longer uncommon, especially in show business and nightlife, even in Austria.
“Kron”: What is “pink cocaine”?
Martin Busch: It has nothing to do with cocaine. It is the designer drug 2C-B, which is probably assigned to the psychedelic spectrum of effects like LSD. 2C-B is highly dose dependent. Just a few milligrams can have a big impact.
Cocaine and other drugs are on the rise across Europe. Which addictive substances are the biggest problem in Austria?
When you look at drug-related deaths, opioids still account for about 90 percent of them, and they tend to be used in mixed ways. This means that there is usually a mix of legal and illegal substances. Overall, Austria is following a trend where cocaine, which has become cheaper and of higher purity in recent years, is increasingly consumed. This is evident from epidemiological studies of wastewater, reports, population surveys, drug checks and calls to the poison information center.
Is there a specific number for this?
This is now also reflected in the treatment system, where cocaine was the main drug in approximately 20 percent of initial treatments in 2023. Nevertheless, by far the biggest problem in the illicit drug sector is still mixed use involving opioids.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
