Star Hoffman’s deadly heroin dose did not contain additive

Samples taken from Hoffman’s Manhattan flat did not contain the potent synthetic morphine, which is added to intensify the high and has been linked to 22 suspected overdose deaths in western Pennsylvania.

Investigators also have discovered that the Capote star made six ATM transactions for a total of $1,200 (£735) inside a supermarket near his home the day before his death. They have been piecing together his final hours using video surveillance.

The 46-year-old actor was found dead in his bathroom on Sunday. His door was double-locked when his body was discovered at around 11.30am local time by his assistant and a friend.

Investigators also discovered buprenorphine, a drug used to treat heroin addiction, at Hoffman’s flat and are examining a computer and two iPads found at the scene for clues.

A spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office said yesterday there has been no official determination on what killed Hoffman but they suspect it was an overdose.

More than 50 small plastic envelopes of heroin were recovered in Hoffman’s apartment along with syringes, a charred spoon and various prescription medications, including a blood pressure drug and a muscle relaxant.

Some of the packets were variously stamped with the ace of hearts and others with the ace of spades.

The New York Police Department’s intensive effort to discover the source of the drugs is unusual.

Courts have ruled that under state law drug dealers cannot be held liable for a customer’s death.

Addiction specialist Dr Louis Baxter, a former president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, said that addicts, especially those who have built up high tolerances, can use as much two dozen packets, per day.

“Someone who has developed tolerance, who is seeking to develop a high, may need to inject every two hours or so,” Dr Baxter explained.

The Frank E Campbell Funeral Home said Hoffman’s family had requested a private funeral, which will be held on Friday.