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Report: Calif. Ready To Resume Lethal Injections

SACRAMENTO (CBS) — A shortage of a particular drug that has halted lethal injections in California may be nearing an end, but opponents are raising safety questions about the chemical's origin.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that state officials are now in possession of 12 grams of sodium thiopental, enough to proceed with about 4 executions and they say death penalty critics have nothing to worry about.

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KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou Reports

After the state's previous supply expired at the end of September, a judge called off the scheduled Sept. 30 execution of convicted rapist and murderer Albert Greenwood Brown.

It's unclear how officials will proceed with the planned executions, as the state has yet to disclose the source of the drug.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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