Jackson Death Now a Federal Matter as DEA Joins Probe

Allegations that Michael Jackson had been taking various painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants before his untimely death have led to a probe that has now been joined by federal authorities. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have been asked by police to help look into this aspect of Jackson’s surprising death. Jackson’s friend Uri Geller noted recently in an interview that he had been trying to keep Jackson from abusing painkillers and other prescription drugs, but noted that others in Jackson’s inner circle kept getting those drugs to him. Said Geller, "When Michael asked for something, he got it. This was the great tragedy."

Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s older brother, noted that he would be deeply "hurt" if toxicology reports indicate that his brother had been abusing drugs. Said Jermaine, "In this business, the pressures and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to. I don’t know about these things, because I hate anything to do with drugs."

The DEA, rather than actually running the investigation into Jackson’s death and alleged use of drugs, will assist the Los Angeles police with logistical support and with researching and investigating various aspects of Jackson’s relationship with friends and others who may have supplied him with drugs, as well as the original sources of any drugs that he may have been taking. Offering other thoughts on the matter of his brother’s death, Jermaine noted, "We went too soon. I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me."