Like a movie plot: How Miami Beach Police seized ‘Pink Cocaine’

A months-long undercover investigation that began inside private WhatsApp groups has led Miami Beach police to four arrests and the seizure of more than 70 pounds of drugs and nearly $50,000 in cash.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Pink Panther,” began after detectives infiltrated a WhatsApp group in 2025 that authorities say was being used to advertise and sell wholesale quantities of narcotics.

Police say information gathered from that investigation eventually exposed a larger drug distribution network operating across Miami-Dade County.

In April 2026, investigators identified another WhatsApp account displaying a Pink Panther logo. According to police, the symbol was associated with the sale of 2C-B, a drug commonly referred to as “pink cocaine.”

Undercover detectives spent months navigating the group’s vetting process and gaining the trust of people inside the network. They then began making controlled purchases of cocaine and MDMA, which helped investigators identify suspects and trace suspected sources of supply.

The investigation eventually led detectives, working with the DEA, to a residence in Miami Beach.

On September 15, Miami Beach Police SWAT executed a search warrant at the property. Four men were arrested as part of the operation.

Authorities identified them as Santiago Lujan, 25; Matias Serrano, 29; Cesar Suppa, 30; and Jhon Ramirez, 39. They face various drug-related charges, while Serrano was taken into DEA custody.

Police say investigators recovered more than 70 pounds of narcotics, including cocaine, MDMA/2C-B, cannabis and hashish, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, LSD and crystal methamphetamine.

Investigators also seized $49,557 in cash and a BMW X5. Police said Serrano alone was carrying a backpack containing $44,800 when he was arrested.

Despite its nickname, “pink cocaine” does not necessarily contain cocaine. The term is often used for brightly colored mixtures containing substances such as 2C-B or combinations of other synthetic drugs.

Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said the investigation demonstrated how intelligence-driven policing and cooperation with federal authorities can be used to dismantle sophisticated drug distribution networks.

The investigation shows how what began with detectives quietly entering online chat groups eventually developed into a months-long undercover operation, controlled drug purchases, surveillance and, ultimately, arrests and a major seizure in Miami-Dade County.