It is somewhat pleasant to see the British press scooping the American press on Michael Jackson's latest alleged troubles.
Not too long ago, the many British scoops about all of President Clinton's scandals were much less pleasant.
From a Sun [UK] article, Junkie Jacko 40 pills a day:
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 [/] Junkie Jacko 40 pills a day [/] Cocaine 'found in his pants' in raid by policeEXCLUSIVE [/] Cocaine in Jacko's pants [/] By EMILY SMITH [/] US Editor
TRACES of cocaine were found on Michael Jackson’s underwear during a police raid, it was revealed yesterday. [/] The discovery emerged as the troubled singer faced shock new claims that he is abusing and trafficking drugs.
Cops are secretly investigating allegations by former aides that Jacko, 47, is hooked on anti-depressants and painkillers. [/] They say he pops up to 40 pills a day — and was seen falling flat on his face after injecting himself with a mystery drug. [/] He is suspected of transporting drugs from California to Bahrain, where he currently lives, and obtaining them with fake prescriptions.
The probe is being led by Santa Barbara’s notorious District Attorney Tom Sneddon. [/] He is still smarting after failing to convict Jacko on child sex charges in the summer. [/] A Jackson aide said: “Sneddon still smells blood and is determined to nail Michael.”
[…]But aides fear the strain of a new court battle could kill him.
The investigation centres around a huge stash of prescription drugs seized when police probing the child sex claims raided Jacko’s Neverland ranch in 2003. [/] The swoop also unearthed the cocaine traces on the singer’s underwear. Residues of the painkiller Demerol and sedative Promethazine were also said to have been on the garments.
[…] The discovery was not revealed at the child sex trial because cops could not be certain it was Jacko who used the drug. They could not rule out the possibility the underwear had come into contact with maids or cleaning staff.
[…] He once turned up in his pyjamas after a hospital visit. He often appeared dazed and on heavy medication. Pals believe he is takes so many painkillers and anti-depressants that he is constantly intoxicated. [/] The Neverland stash allegedly included bottles of Vicodin, Oxycontin, Versed, Promethazime, Xanax and Valium.
Cops suspected Jacko was using staff to fetch drugs in their own names or under bogus monikers. [/] They decided not to pursue the drugs case in favour of concentrating on the child sex claims.
[…] In papers just released by the Santa Maria court where Jacko was tried, Carter claimed Jacko took up to 40 anti-depressants a day. The transcript of a police interview with Carter, 25, reads: [/] Carter said he would get Xanax prescriptions at pharmacies for Jackson under different fictitious names including Carter’s own name.
[…] Cops on Sneddon’s investigation have contacted doctors who treated Jacko and former Neverland staff. Californian pharmacies that may have dispensed the drugs will also come under the spotlight.[…]A Jackson aide said: “Sneddon thinks Michael could be getting drugs flown to Bahrain. The investigation is being kept secret. [/] “But Sneddon is considering whether he can get Michael on charges of conspiracy to export a controlled substance and prescription drug abuse. He hopes to put together a strong case and file it in the next few months.”
A source close to his family said last night: “Michael would fight this in court. But none of us knows if he could cope with another investigation. [/] […] Another source told of growing concern for Jacko because he has isolated himself from his family and loyal staff.
[…] Jacko’s lawyers and business managers are often told he is too tired to talk. The source said: “They fear Jackson is too drugged up to deal with anybody. They want him to go into rehabilitation to save his life.” [My ellipses and emphasis]
