USA - Arizona. Execution drug acquired legally.

Charles L. Ryan, director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, wrote a letter to the newspaper “Arizona Republic”. “The execution of a convicted murderer is the ultimate penalty imposed by the courts. The duty of the Arizona Department of Corrections is to carry out this sentence lawfully, professionally and humanely. Recently, the media have paid increased attention to executions taking place throughout the country. Unfortunately, some of the information in these news stories is inaccurate. The current 3-drug chemical protocol used in Arizona has been upheld through the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 1993, Arizona has carried out 23 executions using lethal injection. Our experience has proven this process is both humane and effective. Due to the shortage of sodium thiopental, the Department of Corrections was required to locate a supplier outside the United States. We lawfully acquired the chemical by working with U.S. Customs, the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Throughout the process, the Department of Corrections documented explicitly that our purpose was to use these chemicals to perform executions by lethal injection. The Arizona Department of Corrections is considering the use of alternative chemicals and protocols to ensure there is no disruption in carrying out the law. We will continue with the use of a lawful chemical protocol. Any changes will be determined after a full and comprehensive review with the assistance of our attorney general”.