DEA Weighs New Limits On Drug Eyed In Jackson Case

Federal authorities are considering making the potent anesthetic propofol — one of the drugs found in Michael Jackson's home — a controlled substance, which would put new limits on its distribution.

The Drug Enforcement Administration was petitioned two years ago to make propofol a so-called "scheduled" drug under the Controlled Substances Act. That designation is used to impose restrictions on distributing and prescribing certain drugs prone to abuse and addiction.

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DEA spokesman Rusty Payne confirmed Wednesday that the agency is considering adding propofol to the list of controlled substances.

Until Jackson's death, the main concern about propofol was its potential for abuse by medical staff, because it is usually administered intravenously in hospitals.

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