The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into the discovery of an "unknown item" inside the White House complex, which sources have described as a substance resembling cocaine. The incident prompted a precautionary closure of the White House complex as the Secret Service uniformed division initiated an investigation into the matter.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that officers from the Secret Service uniformed division discovered the unidentified item in a work area on the evening of July 2. The D.C. Fire Department was immediately called to evaluate the situation, and after conducting a thorough assessment, they determined that the item was non-hazardous. However, the substance was sent for further examination, and an investigation is currently underway to determine how it entered the White House premises.
Sources familiar with the incident revealed that radio traffic from the D.C. Fire and EMS indicated the discovery of a powdery substance resembling cocaine on the White House grounds. Preliminary field test results reportedly confirmed the presence of cocaine hydrochloride.
"We have a yellow bar stating cocaine hydrochloride," a voice on the radio traffic said.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that the powder was found in the West Wing area of the White House. While parts of the West Wing are occasionally open for public tours, the Secret Service declined to confirm whether tours were conducted last weekend, citing that such details are pertinent to their ongoing investigation.
Cocaine hydrochloride, the substance in question, has various applications, including use as an anesthetic or a means to control bleeding. However, it is also known for its effects similar to crack cocaine, as outlined in a study by the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The item has been sent to a Secret Service laboratory for further testing. President Joe Biden was not present at the White House during the incident, as he was at Camp David at the time.
When queried about the matter, the White House on July 4 directed reporters to the Secret Service, deferring to their ongoing investigation.
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