A white substance was found in a work area during a routine investigation in the West Wing of the White House. The substance was later identified as cocaine by Washington's fire department and emergency services. "We have a yellow bar saying cocaine hydrochloride," said the radio dispatch

The West Wing is attached to the White House where President Joe Biden resides. The Oval Office, the cabinet room, the press room, the president's staff offices, and the workstation are all located there. There are hundreds of people who frequently work in or pass through the West Wing.

In an email, a Secret Service spokesperson said, "On Sunday evening, the White House complex went into a precautionary closure as officers from the Secret Service Uniformed Division investigated an unknown item found inside a work area." Further, the mail said there will be a proper investigation of how the substance entered the White House.

According to the US Narcotic Enforcement Administration, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act, which indicates that it has a significant potential for abuse. The discovery of the narcotic also prompted a high level security alert and a brief evacuation of the mansion.

On Friday, Biden and his family departed for Camp David. On Tuesday, they arrived back at the White House, where the president was supposed to speak to the country's teachers union and host a barbecue to commemorate the US Independence Day.