USA - Missouri. Missouri returning execution drug to European supplier.

Missouri returning execution drug to European supplier. The Missouri Department of Corrections says it is returning to the supplier a drug that it had planned to use in 2 executions later this year. It was not immediately clear yet what effect the action would have on the state's ability to carry out the executions scheduled for Oct. 23 and Nov. 20. The anti-death penalty European Union is considering export limits on propofol if it is used for lethal injections. Makers of the drug say that could slow movement to the U.S. and create a propofol shortage that could endanger the well-being of patients. In a statement emailed to a reporter this morning, the Department of Corrections said: "After the propofol was delivered by Morris & Dickson to the Missouri Department of Corrections last year, Morris & Dickson requested that the order be returned. Today’s action fulfils that request. The propofol supplied by Morris & Dickson was manufactured by Fresenius Kabi, a German company." The statement indicates the state still has some propofol in stock. "The remainder of the department's propofol inventory was produced by a domestic manufacturer."