The United States Secret Service has confirmed that it has “disposed of” the cocaine found in the White House last year, a response to reports of internal disagreements over its handling. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that the evidence was destroyed in accordance with established retention policies. President Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, have had issues in the past with cocaine use, further fueling the controversy.
Cocaine found in a personal items locker near the Situation Room on July 2, 2023, reportedly had a partial DNA match in the national database.
The Secret Service closed its investigation after just 11 days without questioning any potential suspects, leading to speculation about the handling of the case and the possible involvement of Biden family members.
The announcement comes amid reports that President Biden’s then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle wanted to destroy the cocaine but faced resistance from within the agency.
According to RealClearPolitics, Cheatle was reportedly frustrated when her subordinates resisted her request to destroy the medication, citing protocol that requires evidence to be preserved for seven years.
When her instructions weren’t followed, Cheatle “got really upset,” the New York Post reported.
Questions arose about the functioning of the agency
Two sources indicated that Cheatle or someone acting on his behalf contacted Matt White, the vault supervisor of the agency’s forensics division, and requested disposal of the evidence.
However, the decision to keep the evidence was upheld by Glenn Dennis, head of the Secret Service Forensic Division, and Richard Macaulay, acting chief of the Uniformed Division.
Cheatle resigns as head of the Secret Service President Trump was shot at during a Pennsylvania rally last month,
Guglielmi did not comment on the specific allegations about the DNA match or the internal opposition to cocaine disposal.
The Secret Service’s quick closure of the case and disposal of the drugs has raised questions about the agency’s procedures and motives.
The Secret Service closed its investigation after just 11 days without questioning any possible suspects.
The discovery of cocaine near the Biden family’s area led to significant speculation, though the White House dismissed such theories as “irresponsible”.
In contrast, the Biden White House took a tough stance against marijuana use among staffers in 2021, resulting in the dismissal of at least five aides Despite marijuana being legal in several states,