Missouri drops new execution drug after European opposition

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, Oct 12: – Missouri on Friday abandoned plans to become the first U.S. State to use the anesthetic propofol in an execution after it drew strong opposition, especially in Europe, where 90 percent of the drug is manufactured. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, a longtime death penalty supporter, announced that propofol would not be used in an execution scheduled for later this month, and directed state officials to find another lethal drug for future use. (agencies)