Execution drug runs out

File photo / NZ Herald

The United States Government told state attorneys general that it has run out of a key execution drug and is exploring alternatives, dashing states' hopes of obtaining a federal supply of the drug, the Associated Press has learned.

In January, states asked US Attorney General Eric Holder for help obtaining sodium thiopental. The anaesthetic is used by virtually all death penalty states, but supplies ran short when its US manufacturer stopped production.

Holder said the lack of an available supply of sodium thiopental "is a serious concern". but that federal officials were researching alternatives, including "any necessary changes to current federal death penalty procedures".