Cocaine Found in White House Triggers Secret Service investigation

The U.S. Secret Service is currently investigating the discovery of cocaine in the White House. According to preliminary field tests, a white substance found at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue tested positive for cocaine, as reported by The Guardian. Instances of this notorious "white powder" substance, which is not snow, often occur in places where authorities, whether governmental or parental, are likely to take issue. This time, it was found in the Executive Mansion.

It should be noted that the alleged cocaine was found in a reference library accessible to tour groups, not in a specific West Wing office, indicating that it was likely brought in by a daring or foolish tourist rather than someone within the federal government. President Joe Biden was not present at the White House during the discovery, as he was at Camp David, a retreat for presidents located in Maryland's wooded area. The President and First Lady Jill Biden returned to the White House shortly after the finding, following an elevated security alert and a brief evacuation.

The Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed an investigation into how the substance entered the White House, clarifying that it did not pose a threat. Another official involved in the investigation stated that the quantity found was minimal, suggesting that it was intended for personal use rather than distribution. This lends credibility to the theory that a tourist decided to indulge in cocaine while inside the White House, despite the obvious risks involved.

While this incident may seem unprecedented, civilians using their visits to the White House as opportunities for drug use is not unheard of. British actor Erkan Mustafa admitted to using cocaine and cannabis while visiting the presidential residence during first lady Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign. The "War on Drugs" became a more significant aspect of federal law enforcement efforts during Ronald Reagan's presidency, partially fueled by Nancy's privately funded campaign to educate children about the dangers of drug use. Considering this historical context, it's difficult to be overly critical of Mustafa's actions at the time, although it is strongly discouraged for anyone to attempt such behavior due to legal consequences.