The White House is facing a unique situation as a white substance, believed to be cocaine, was discovered in the premises, according to a preliminary field test reported by The Guardian. While it’s not uncommon for “white powder” to make headlines in various places, such as fast food chain bathrooms or childhood bedrooms during the holidays, this time it has made its way into the Executive Mansion.
The U.S. Secret Service is now investigating how the drugs found their way into the President’s home. However, there is no indication that President Biden or anyone from his administration is involved. The alleged cocaine was found in a reference library accessible to tour groups and not in any specific office within the West Wing, as reported by The Associated Press. It is highly likely that a tourist visiting the White House is responsible for this incident.
The discovery of the substance triggered an elevated security alert and a brief evacuation of the White House. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were at Camp David at the time, and they returned to the White House shortly after the discovery was made.
The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, stated that there is an ongoing investigation into how the substance entered the White House. Authorities have confirmed that the substance did not pose a threat. It is also worth noting that only a small amount was found, suggesting that it was intended for personal use rather than distribution. This further supports the theory that a tourist attempted to consume cocaine within the White House premises.
While this incident is unusual, it is not the first time a civilian has used a visit to the White House as an opportunity for illicit activities. British actor Erkan Mustafa claimed to have consumed cocaine and cannabis during a visit to the White House in the 1980s, as reported by The Guardian. It’s important to note that during that time, drug enforcement was not as strict, and the focus on drug penalties increased during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
Famous individuals, such as Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson, have also admitted to using illicit substances within the White House premises on separate occasions. However, it is crucial to recognize that drug use is illegal and can have severe consequences.
Interestingly, President Biden recently announced plans to pardon individuals with federal convictions for simple cannabis possession and to review the federal classification of cannabis. Despite these efforts, cocaine remains a Schedule II drug, while cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law.
