A lethal new synthetic drug which can be bought from Chinese websites has killed at least 50 people in the U.S. – and was found on Prince’s estate.

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The drug ‘Pink’ – also known as U-47700 – is a potent synthetic opiate whose effects are not fully researched.

Several U.S. states have taken emergency action to ban the drug, after it was linked to 50 overdose deaths.


The drug is said to be eight times as powerful as morphine, and has been described as ‘stronger than heroin’.

The drug was designed in the 70s by chemical company Upjohn, then seeking a synthetic alternative to morphine – but has recently resurfaced on the ‘legal highs’ scene.



The UK has banned all ‘new psychoactive drugs’, but several websites offer to ship U-47700 to the UK, accepting payment in Bitcoins.

The unexplained deaths of two 13-year-old best friends in Utah may have been caused by ‘Pink’, local law enforcement said.

Best friends Grant Seaver and Ryan Ainsworth were found dead separately by their parents within days of each other, according to Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter.

Carpenter said that teenagers linked to the two dead boys had ordered the drug online.

Carpenter said, ‘It’s pretty easy. They go online, unfortunately, and $37 and a credit card and a cellphone and they can order it up, which is what makes it so scary.’