ST. PAUL – Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Thursday a new program that will allow state employees to obtain certain prescription drugs for free if they order the medication from a state-inspected Canadian pharmacy.

The program applies to 45 of the most popular name-brand medicines that do not have generic alternatives. State officials estimate savings of $1.4 million a year because the drugs can be purchased for less in Canada.

About 120,000 employees and their dependents would be eligible. The governor cautioned that the program carries risks, explaining he hoped it would not invite a government crackdown on drug imports. Federal law forbids the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. The government argues that it cannot ensure the safety of drugs imported into the United States.