“Lavada cocaine” (or sometimes just “lavada”) is a street name used to refer to a specific form of illicit cocaine that has been processed or “washed”. The term can refer to a couple of different things:
- A form of “pink cocaine”: In some contexts, it describes a pinkish-colored form of cocaine, sometimes referred to as “tusi” (or “pink tusi”), which is often a mixture of different psychoactive substances (such as ketamine, MDMA, and amphetamine) dyed with food coloring.
- A purification technique: The Spanish term “base lavada” translates to “washed base” and is a Peruvian technique for purifying crude cocaine base using ethanol. This process removes impurities and can sometimes result in a product with specific chemical signatures.
It is important to note that the exact composition of street drugs like “pink cocaine” or “lavada” can vary greatly depending on the dealer and region, often containing a dangerous cocktail of substances, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, help is available. You can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and treatment referrals.
