There Are Findings Of Cocaine In The West Wing Of The White House, Secret Service Investigate CCTV And Guest Books

JAKARTA - The cocaine found in the White House is in a small hole in the West Wing, where visitors put electronic goods and other items before going on tour, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

The White House said Secret Service moved quickly to investigate the cocaine findings.

"They're checking visitor logs and... seeing the camera (CCTV). And the next step, cross-check," the source said.

Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said the location of the discovery was a place that many Western Wing visitors went through.

"Where this is found is an area that is often traversed where many Western Wing visitors pass by," Jean-Pierre explained.

"We will take any action... that is appropriate and guaranteed, while waiting for the results from the Secret Service," Jean-Pierre explained when asked if anyone had undergone a drug test as part of the investigation.

The possession of cocaine, classified as the "Schedule II" drug under the US-controlled Substance Act, is a minor offense in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, the Western Wing is attached to the executive home where President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden live.

Inside is the Oval Room, cabinet space to the presidential staff office. Hundreds of people pass through West Wing regularly, including political staff, their guests and members of the press.

Administrative officials can offer West Wing tours to friends and family members.

Jean-Pierre said the Western Wing tour took place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

People who are not staff members must leave electronic goods and other items in storage booths before taking part in the tour.

"It's in one of the booths," the source said of the cocaine.

The substance was discovered during a routine sweep by the Secret Service on Sunday evening. A Secret Service spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

The agency also did not say how much cocaine was found.

This discovery led to a brief closure of the White House complex on Sunday. President Biden and his family were not at the White House at the time.

President Biden did not answer reporters' questions about the cocaine discovery on Wednesday. The president thought it was "very important" to uncover the case, Jean-Pierre said.

The US president and his family returned to the White House early on Tuesday, after spending the weekend at the presidential resting place in Camp David, Maryland.

Family members visiting President Biden's family usually go in and out through the East Wing, the source said.