Jackson described as an 'addict'

Published on Friday 31 July 2009 22:18

AUTHORITIES investigating Michael Jackson's death referred to him as an "addict" and were seeking evidence related to the powerful anaesthetic propofol, according to search warrants.

The documents, released yesterday, show investigators have cause to believe several California business and professions' codes had been broken, including "excessive prescribing," a misdemeanour punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 180 days.

Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents spent much of Tuesday at the Las Vegas home and business of Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, who is the focus of a manslaughter investigation.

The raids sought evidence supporting that charge, as well as code violations, including "prescribing to an addict" and "unprofessional conduct".

The codes cover all prescribing professionals, including doctors and dentists, and violations could lead to a revoked or suspended licence.

They state that a physician cannot prescribe drugs to anyone with a chemical dependency or to anyone who is using the drugs for non-therapeutic purposes. They define an addict as someone who continues to use a drug despite harm, shows compulsive use or has impaired control over use.

The warrants also said investigators wanted all documentation relating to the "purchase, transfer, receiving, ordering, delivery and storage of propofol".

Earlier, a law enforcement official said that on the day Jackson died Dr Murray gave the singer propofol to help him sleep and that investigators are working under the theory the anaesthetic caused Jackson's heart to stop.

A cause of death has yet to be revealed. An indefinite delay was announced yesterday by the Los Angeles County coroner on the release of toxicology reports.