The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law- enforcement official said yesterday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service.

Diprivan is an anaesthetic widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it is given intravenously and is very unusual to have in a private home.

The law-enforcement official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorised to speak about the matter.

A Los Angeles Police spokesman, Lieutenant John Romero, declined to discuss the case. "It's an ongoing investigation," he said.

The cause of Jackson's death has not been determined. Autopsy results are not expected for several weeks.

Jackson was known to have suffered from severe insomnia.

In the weeks before his death, Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse who was working with the singer, said Jackson pleaded for Diprivan amid the stress of preparing for a massive series of comeback concerts.

Lee said she repeatedly rejected his demands because the drug was unsafe.

Told yesterday that Diprivan had been found at Jackson's house, she said, "I did everything I could to warn him against it."