Guardia Civil seize pink cocaine, arrest suspect in major trafficking investigation. Photo Credit: Guardia Civil
A drug trafficker in the Malaga area has been caught pink-handed: the Guardia Civil have seized more than five kilogrammes of pink cocaine, also known as ‘tusi’, considered one of the largest seizures of this type of drug in Spain. The criminal investigation that has led to this drugs bust has been carried out over the last two years.
Guardia Civil uncovers major stash of pink cocaine
The authorities have carried out raids in the Fuengirola and Mijas areas, leading to the discovery of the drug, distinguished by its bright pink colour. To be specific, the Guardia Civil carried out three searches of various properties and shops. Not only did the Guardia Civil discover the large stash of ‘tusi’, they also seized half a kilogramme of cocaine, one kilogramme of hashish, and various items used for weighing and distributing the drugs.
Suspect arrested in Fuengirola drugs operation
The Guardia Civil also arrested a Spanish citizen during the operation in Fuengirola, who stands accused of belonging to a criminal organisation, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The suspect has already been brought before a judge, who ordered a pre-trial detention in a prison.
What is pink cocaine and why is it so dangerous?
Despite its nickname, ‘pink cocaine’, tusi is actually not cocaine at all but rather a dyed powder of varying compositions, most commonly ketamine and MDMA. Cocaine, on the other hand, is a specific, natural stimulant extracted from coca leaves. Unlike standard cocaine, whose effects are well-documented, the effects of pink cocaine can be unpredictable, as users often do not know exactly what is in it, and it can commonly contain lethal agents like fentanyl and unpredictable mixes of both depressants and stimulants.
Two-year investigation uncovers extensive criminal network and around 30 arrests
This is the final phase of an operation that began two years ago against a criminal enterprise in El Ejido. The investigation has been ongoing since 2024, when a complex network was uncovered. The criminal organisation would distribute and traffic drugs. Across approximately 30 raids on residences across the province of Almeria, as well as in Malaga, Granada, and Alicante, the Guardia Civil carried out arrests of around 30 people in 2025 and seized more than a thousand kilogrammes of hashish, twenty kilogrammes of cocaine, and various weapons.
In addition, approximately 100 bank accounts were frozen, properties and real estate valuing more than €6 million were shut down, and around one hundred vehicles and boats valued at approximately €1 million were also seized.