Thailand Warns of Growing ‘Pink Cocaine’ Threat

Thailand Warns of Growing ‘Pink Cocaine’ Threat

BANGKOK, June 22, 2026 – Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has warned of the growing presence of the synthetic drug 2C-B, commonly marketed as “pink cocaine“, saying the substance poses serious health risks despite its misleading name.

The warning was issued on June 20 by ONCB Deputy Secretary-General and spokeswoman Areepak Ngernbamrung, who said 2C-B is not cocaine but a synthetic psychoactive drug capable of causing severe physical and psychological harm.

According to the ONCB, 2C-B acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, producing effects similar to LSD and ecstasy. Users may experience euphoria, heightened alertness, hallucinations, distorted perception, impaired judgement and reduced self-control, increasing the risk of dangerous behaviour.

The agency warned that prolonged use can damage the brain, causing chronic hallucinations and irritability, while excessive consumption can be fatal.

The ONCB said experts at the recent International Symposium of Forensic Drug Testing Lab Directors had reported that substances sold as “pink cocaine” are often mixtures of multiple drugs rather than pure 2C-B.

Authorities said the drug is commonly sold in powder, tablet or capsule form and is increasingly mixed with substances including ketamine, cocaine and benzodiazepines. Such mixtures are sometimes marketed as “Happy Water“, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and unpredictable reactions.

The agency warned that consuming high doses of 2C-B, particularly when combined with other drugs, can cause irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, dangerously elevated body temperature, seizures, loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, sudden heart failure. Mixing the drug with the painkiller tramadol may also cause respiratory depression that can lead to death.

The ONCB said 2C-B is classified as a Category 1 narcotic under Thai law, making its unauthorised production, import, export, distribution or possession a criminal offence.

The agency urged the public, particularly young people, not to be misled by claims that pink cocaine is safe, warning that synthetic drugs can have serious consequences for health, finances and future prospects.

Daily News reported that Thai authorities will continue monitoring the spread of 2C-B and other synthetic drugs and encouraged the public to report suspected drug trafficking through the ONCB’s 24-hour hotline.