China executes baby trafficker

China has executed a gang leader convicted of selling more than 200 baby girls.

Li Guoju was put to death – probably by a bullet in the back of his head - in the central city of Puyang.

He was discovered with 28 baby girls, none older than three months, hidden in nylon tote bags on a long-distance bus.

The babies had been drugged with their hands and legs bound to keep them quiet during shipment. At least one died.

More than 60 people convicted in connection with the baby trafficking have been given sentences ranging from prison terms to death.

China has a thriving black market in babies that are abducted or bought from poor families for sale to childless couples or those who have one child and want more. Some girls are sold as brides.

The trade is driven in part by birth control rules that allow most couples only one child. Purchased children who are registered as adopted don’t trigger the fines and other punishments imposed on parents who have more than one child of their own.