Cocaine has apparently been found in the White House in Washington. A white powder found at US President Joe Biden’s official residence Sunday night has been identified as cocaine by fire and emergency services in Washington, Reuters reports, citing a source familiar with the matter.
“USA Today” and other US media also report that the powder is cocaine: “During a field test by the fire and rescue services, according to a report on Sunday evening at 8:49 p.m., a ‘yellow bar, meaning cocaine, hydrochloride ‘identified, the newspaper writes, citing a publicly available recording of a radio call from the fire department.
The Secret Service responsible for Biden’s security has so far only confirmed the discovery of a white powder that briefly triggered the alarm on Sunday evening. The suspect substance was discovered in a work area in the West Wing of the White House, Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said. The White House was then temporarily closed to allow law enforcement and firefighters to investigate the substance. The fire brigade “quickly determined that the object is not dangerous”.
Guglielmi did not say whether it was actually cocaine. “The item has been sent for further investigation and an investigation into the cause and manner of getting into the White House is pending,” he said.
The West Wing houses the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room and Press Room, as well as the offices and work areas of Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior government officials. Hundreds of people work in the part of the building or come there regularly. Members of the public visiting the White House are normally only allowed to visit the East Wing and the Residence.
President Biden and his family were not in the White House when the substance was discovered. Biden left for Camp David on Friday night and didn’t return to Washington until Tuesday morning.
Sources: Reuters, “USA Today”
