A packet of white powder that was found at Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre, where the space shuttle launches, has tested positive for cocaine, Nasa’s Inspector General’s office said.

The packet contained “4.2 grams of a white powdery substance” and was “found in a Nasa facility at KSC on March 7,” said official Renee Juhans.“Law enforcement personnel field tested the substance – which indicated a positive test for cocaine. The substance is now at an accredited crime lab for further testing,” she said. “An investigation is ongoing.”

Nasa has a zero-tolerance drug policy. Ms Juhans declined to comment on exactly where at Kennedy Space Centre the cocaine was found, or if any employees had showed positive results in drug tests. On Monday, an engineer who worked for a company that contracts with Nasa fell to his death while working at the Kennedy Space Centre launch pad where the shuttle Endeavour is set for liftoff next month.

Asked if there was believed to be any link between the two events, Ms Juhans said: “No comment.”