Drug experts to probe Jackson death (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Drug experts to probe Jackson death

7:12pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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America's anti-drugs agency is investigating the death of pop star Michael Jackson, it has emerged.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in by Los Angeles police to assist as they probe allegations the star was on powerful painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants, sources said.

Jermaine Jackson said he would be "hurt" if toxicology reports showed his brother had abused prescription drugs.

He told NBC he did not know of any drug abuse by the 50-year-old, who died last Thursday in LA.

But he added: "In this business, the pressure and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to."

Jackson's friend Uri Geller said he attempted to keep the pop singer away from painkillers, but others in Jackson's inner circle were prepared to supply him with medications.

"When Michael asked for something, he got it. That was the great tragedy," said Geller.

Meanwhile, plans for Jackson's funeral were still being finalised and fans waited to hear if and where a public memorial would take place.

His brother Jermaine said he believed Neverland - the singer's vast estate in Santa Barbara, California - should be the King of Pop's final resting place.

But earlier speculation that a memorial at which fans could attend would take place at Neverland appeared to have been ruled out.