What is 2C-B? Potent combination of drugs discovered in Liam Payne's toxicology report, explained

Liam Payne reportedly had multiple drugs in his system, based on the toxicology report that was taken following his death on October 16. ABC News reported that the former One Direction bandmate had cocaine, benzodiazepine, crack, and 2C-B, also known as pink cocaine, in his system at the time of his death.

A preliminary autopsy report that was released last week claimed that the musician died of “polytrauma” and an “internal and external hemorrhage.” Fox News confirmed that the final toxicology reports were yet to be released by officials and cannot be expected for weeks; however, a preliminary report “suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine.”

Among the many drugs that were reportedly found in Liam Payne’s body, 2C-B is a drug that U.S. federal authorities had issued warnings over after it was first found in Latin America and Europe. Although the drug, which is commonly called ‘pink cocaine,’ does not have cocaine in it in reality, it is a concoction of other dangerous substances and a food dye that gives it the bright pink color.

2C-B can include several drugs like MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine, opiods, and other psychoactive substances.

New York’s special narcotics prosecutor, Bridget Brennan, claimed that pink cocaine is commonly used as a date r*pe drug and can also cause amnesia. He said:

“It can put people into a ‘k-hole’ where they feel like they’re in a blank space, like they are disassociated from their body, they’re disassociated from their brain, they don’t know what going on.”

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Liam Payne’s toxicology report also reportedly found the ‘Cristal’ drug in his system

On October 16, TMZ exclusively shared that officials found the hallucinogenic drug ‘Cristal’ in the singer’s system. The drug is commonly known for causing hallucinations and psychotic attacks when consumed.

As per TMZ, officers said that the drug “causes users to experience extreme highs and extreme lows, often making them aggressive.” This likely led to Liam Payne’s “erratic” behavior, causing him to fall off the third floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was holidaying.

In the audio recording of the 911 call made by hotel staff prior to Payne’s passing, an employee told authorities that they needed them “urgently” as they were concerned about Payne’s wellbeing. They said:

“We need you to send us someone urgently because, well, we don’t know if the guest’s life is at risk. He is in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a bit afraid that he does something that could put his life at risk.”

A hotel guest also seemingly confirmed with a British news outlet that the singer, who was 31 years old at the time of his passing, was in distress. The guest said:

“I went over, asked, ‘Are you OK?’ But he just kind of grunted. Then he said, -I used to be in a boy band. That’s why I’m so f**ked up.’”

Buenos Aires police also reported that Payne's room was “in complete disarray” when they examined it. They reportedly found broken furniture and drug paraphernalia spread across the room.

Liam Payne reportedly struggled with addiction and mental health issues during his time with One Direction. In 2023, Liam also spent 100 days in a rehabilitation facility in Louisiana.

Liam Payne's body will remain in Argentina until the autopsy is completed.