Jackson doctor 'bought powerful anaesthetic' in pharmacy

Published on Tuesday 11 August 2009 21:17

A US law enforcement official last night said Michael Jackson's personal doctor bought a powerful anaesthetic from a Las Vegas pharmacy.

Federal and local authorities searched Applied Pharmacy Services yesterday.

The official said agents uncovered evidence that Dr Conrad Murray legally obtained propofol there.

The singer's death is being investigated as a manslaughter and propofol, which Jackson took as a sleep aid, is a main focus.

Dr Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, had no immediate comment.

Agents from the Drugs Enforcement Administration went to the pharmacy searching for evidence relating to prescriptions written by Dr Murray.

It followed similar raids at his house and offices last month.

Police are reportedly working on the theory that the doctor administered the powerful sedative propofol shortly before the singer's heart stopped.

Jackson died aged 50 at his rented Beverly Hills home on 25 June. Dr Murray was with him.

The raid followed the latest in a number of warrants placed on premises connected to Dr Murray, 51. His home and office in Las Vegas was raided last month, as was a site in Houston, Texas.

Dr Murray has been questioned twice by police and a third interview is planned.

He has not been named as a suspect, but court records have identified him as the subject of a manslaughter investigation.

It is widely believed the results of a post-mortem examination will show the singer was on heavy medication when he died. On Monday, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said it had completed its autopsy and related toxicology tests.