Lab testing confirms it was cocaine found in the White House West Wing Sunday evening, a U.S. Secret Service spokesman said Wednesday.
MORE: Secret Service investigating suspected cocaine found inside White House complex
The investigation into how it got there is ongoing.
The white powder was found during a routine search, a source said.
A preliminary field test had showed the substance tested positive for cocaine, sources said.
A view of the White House and the West Wing in Washington, D.C, July 4, 2023.Julia Nikhinson/Reuters
The cocaine was found on the ground floor of the White House, near the West Executive entrance where visitors are instructed to typically drop off their cell phones when visiting the White House, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Some visitors are able to tour parts of the West Wing, and tours typically take place on the weekends.
“From Friday night to Sunday, West Wing tours usually occur, led by staff, Mmembers of Congress and others who have that privilege,” according to former U.S. Secret Service Agent Don Mihalek. "The discovery allegedly took place in an are widely accessible to anyone visiting the White House."
Mihalek, now an ABC News contributor, said Secret Service screening occurs "prior to entry on West Executive Place, which is where West Wing tours meet up."
"That screening includes a magnetometer and X-ray of bags," he said. "The person leading the tour is ultimately responsible for their tour group."
Mihalek said the incident further reinforces the need to have the Secret Service take an "enhanced role" in vetting all individuals visiting the White House "to keep the White House safe."
When asked if there were tours this past weekend, the Secret Service would not confirm that, saying: "These are details that are pertinent to our investigation and not something we can get into."
President Joe Biden and family members were at Camp David at the time.
The White House has referred questions about the matter to the Secret Service.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
