Whitney Houston's Mystery Friend Off the Hook in 'Cocaine Cover-Up'

Whitney Houston's close friend -- Raffles van Exel -- is "extremely relieved" he is not in the crosshairs of the Beverly Hills Police Department in the singer's death investigation.

Several reports were posted this week that someone removed cocaine from Whitney Houston's hotel room before authorities arrived, and the reports say cops were targeting van Exel.

The stories are not true, because we know authorities actually found cocaine in the Beverly Hilton hotel room and cops are satisfied they have all the evidence they need to close the case.

Our sources assure us ... there is no investigation focusing on anyone removing evidence from the hotel room.

As for van Exel ... we're told he's going to the Beverly Hills PD next week with his lawyer to make sure they're square with him.