DEA joins in probe of Jackson's death

LOS ANGELES, July 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into Michael Jackson's death, Los Angeles law enforcement officials said.

Two officials confirmed the DEA's participation, saying agents would examine several of Jackson's doctors, their medical practices and their possible sources of drugs, CNN reported Thursday.

A DEA spokeswoman referred questions to the Los Angeles Police Department, which would not confirm the federal agency's involvement.

"We routinely offer assistance to any agency regarding the Federal Controlled Substance Act," DEA spokeswoman Sarah Pullen said. "However, at this time, we have nothing further to comment about the death of Michael Jackson."

Speculation about possible drug abuse has surrounded the investigation since Jackson, 50, died last Thursday. The cause of his death was pending toxicology results, the coroner's office said.

Police Wednesday released a car belonging to Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's cardiologist. Murray's lawyers issued a statement, asking the public to reserve judgment about the cause of death until tests were complete.

"Based on our agreement with Los Angeles investigators, we are waiting on real information to come from viable sources like the Los Angeles medical examiner's office about the death of Michael Jackson," the

statement said. "We will not be responding to rumors and innuendo."

The lawyer's statement was in reaction to a claim to CNN by a nutritionist who said Jackson suffered from insomnia and asked for the powerful sedative, Propofol, despite knowing its dangerous side effects.