Residents of Washington DC were left in shock as a series of explosive devices and a bag of cocaine were found in two separate incidents on Sunday.
The events began early Sunday morning when three businesses in the northeast of Washington DC were damaged with what police term as “Molotov–cocktail–type devices“. Unfortunately, no one was injured in the blasts and the suspect has yet to be apprehended.
Later that day, the United States Secret Service was called to investigate an unknown item found on the White House grounds. As a precaution, the White House grounds were evacuated and, according to a Secret Service spokesperson, the DC Fire Departments Hazmat team responded.
The U.S. Secret Service has closed several roads near the White House due to the presence of unknown substances near the White House, the reason for this is not yet known.#WhiteHouse #UnitedStates pic.twitter.com/FTUvmT6g9Z
— Ahmad (@its_Ahmad_Word) July 3, 2023
The item was deemed “non–hazardous“ after being tested by DC Emergency Medical officials, revealing that it was cocaine hydrochloride. This is the technical name for cocaine, also known as “a bag of coke“.
Though it was initially speculated that the cocaine might be a medical product, such as a nasal spray, this claim was quickly shot down. Two FDA–approved products, Numbrino and Goprelto, are nasal sprays that may create effects similar to cocaine although, as the Drug Enforcement Administration revealed in a recent fact sheet, they are rarely used due to other “more effective products“ now being on the market.
Confusion remains between both incidents as no link has yet been established between them. Residents of Washington DC await further news as to what will happen next. The Secret Service has not commented further on the cocaine and the DC Police Department is still asking the public to help identify the perpetrator of the explosive incidents.
The White House grounds have since re–opened and it continues to operate as normal. For now, residents of Washington DC can remain cautiously optimistic that this weekend has seen all the criminal activity that there will be.
Cocaine hydrochloride nasal solution is used to numb the mucous membrane inside the nose before a medical procedure or surgery. This medicine is a local anesthetic. https://t.co/IMOnoiW4N6
— Gundam Ver. Chu 👍 (@SoulinkChu) July 3, 2023