FDA to Texas and Arizona: Destroy or export detained shipments of execution drugs
FDA spokesperson Lyndsay Meyer told Focus via email: “The FDA has notified the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Arizona Department of Corrections that their detained shipments of sodium thiopental have been refused on the basis that the detained drugs appear to be unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs. As such, the shipments must be exported or destroyed.”
Both states now have 90 days to export or destroy their respective detained shipments of sodium thiopental.
Jason Clark, director of public information at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), told Focus via email: “It has taken almost two years for the Food and Drug Administration to reach a decision which we believe is flawed.
“TDCJ fully complied with the steps necessary to lawfully import the shipment. We are exploring all options to remedy the unjustified seizure.” ■