SYDNEY (dpa): A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to import 252 kilogrammes of a dangerous illicit drug cocktail into Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Thursday.
The seized substance, known as "pink cocaine" or "tusi," is a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and other adulterants, and typically contains little to no cocaine, police said.
The AFP launched an investigation in October following the discovery of the drug in an air cargo consignment, which was labelled as containing an industrial saw and destined for a western Sydney suburb.
In response, the AFP organized a controlled delivery operation in early November. The 21-year-old man was arrested by AFP investigators shortly afterwards.
The man has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, police said, a crime carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He appeared in court last week, where bail was formally refused. His next court appearance is scheduled for January.
AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen expressed concern over the size of the seizure, warning of the significant risks "pink cocaine" poses to users.
"'Pink cocaine' is made up of an unpredictable cocktail of illicit drugs, meaning anyone who consumes the drug has no idea what they are putting in their body. Despite the name, it rarely contains cocaine," Millen said.
"The dangers of all illicit drug consumption can be severe, including loss of consciousness, stroke, heart attack and even death. Consuming a cocktail of illicit drugs significantly increases those risks.
"Branding this cocktail of harmful drugs as 'pink cocaine' is a ploy designed by drug syndicates to maximize profits at the expense of the health and welfare of users," Millen added. - dpa
