USA: Alarm in the White House – Cocaine discovered in the West Wing

Cocaine has apparently been found in the White House in Washington. A white powder found at US President Joe Biden’s official residence on Sunday evening 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 on Sunday evening at 8:49 p.m., a ‘yellow bar, meaning cocaine, hydrochloride ‘, writes the newspaper, citing a publicly available recording of a radio call from the fire department.

White House temporarily closed

So far, the Secret Service responsible for Biden’s security has 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 the press area, 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 evening and didn’t return to Washington until Tuesday morning.

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