After a six-month police investigation, authorities arrested a 28-year-old man in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Police allege he is the third member of a ring that used parcel services to ship illegal substances, including ketamine, MDMA, and the synthetic drug known as ‘pink cocaine’, to international destinations.

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While the arrest occurred on 12 February, the Mossos d’Esquadra released details this week. In a statement reported by Metrópoli Abierta, the Catalan police force confirmed the man faces charges related to crimes against public health.

An Investigation Six Months in the Making

The operation began in August 2025 in the neighbouring municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat. This formed part of a broader police initiative to combat narcotics distribution. Initial inquiries quickly bore fruit, leading to the arrest of two other individuals allegedly connected to the network’s shipping operations.

During that first phase of the investigation, officers intercepted a significant haul, seizing 4.3 kilograms of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic often abused for its hallucinogenic properties. The group’s method involved concealing the drugs within packages sent through mainstream postal and courier services to evade detection.

The Final Arrest

Investigators continued to monitor the network, eventually identifying the 28-year-old as a key figure. On the morning of 12 February, officers moved in as the suspect was leaving his home in L’Hospitalet, reportedly on his way to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport.

A search of the man revealed a variety of substances, including MDMA, more ketamine, and a quantity of ‘pink cocaine’. Agents also found a precision scale, €450 in cash, and 142,000 Colombian pesos (worth approximately €32).

Following the arrest, police obtained a warrant to search the suspect’s home. The search uncovered an additional 200 grams of ketamine, more MDMA, ecstasy pills, and other substances. These are currently undergoing laboratory analysis. Crucially, officers also found a pink colouring agent, which they believe was used to manufacture the ‘pink cocaine’ on-site.

The Rise of ‘Pink Cocaine’

The seizure of ‘pink cocaine’, also known as ‘tusi’ or ‘tucibi’, highlights a growing concern for law enforcement in Europe. Despite its name, the substance rarely contains any actual cocaine.

According to international bodies like the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is typically a dangerous and unpredictable cocktail of other drugs. These most commonly include ketamine, MDMA, and caffeine, dyed pink.

The drug’s unpredictable composition makes it particularly dangerous for users, who have no way of knowing the dosage or type of substances they are consuming. The arrest comes as Barcelona authorities continue to crack down on various drug distribution networks, including a recent operation that saw a gang arrested for selling chemsex drugs from tourist flats in Eixample.

Police brought the detainee, who has no prior criminal record, before the on-duty court in Esplugues de Llobregat on 13 February. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to fully dismantle the international network.