Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's family: Substance FBI suspects was drugs, was 'homemade electrolyte mix'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After the Federal Bureau of Investigation had filed to obtain a search warrant to look through 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's van, the family confirmed that the substance that officials claimed they found was a homemade electrolyte drink mix, their attorney says.

Following the deadly July 9 shooting of Araujo, an FBI special agent says he "inspected the vehicle and observed in plain view several plastic bags with what appeared to be white crystal-like substances packaged in small plastic bags," according to a search warrant.

According to documents, the FBI said they saw "white crystal-like substance packaged in small plastic bags" from outside the van. A search warrant, which was filed July 14, stated that "searches of the target vehicle will yield evidence of the crimes committed and violations of drug offenses."

Just one day after the filing, the family of Araujo confirmed through their attorney, Ruby Powers, that the substances were not drugs but a drink mixture.

"After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt, which is paired with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers in extreme Texas heat," Powers said in an official statement.

The video above is from a previous report.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office also shared that it didn't suspect the substances collected were drugs.

On Thursday, DA Sean Teare shared on social media that "based on what we've learned about the passengers, it's inconsistent that drugs were in the van."

Powers also said they are requesting immediate testing of the substance to clear Araujo's name, in addition to a request for Araujo's brother, Victor, to be released from ICE custody.

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