Vietnam gang faces execution over drugs

Court officials in Vietnam say twenty-two people have gone on trial in central Ha Tinh province for drug trafficking and circulating counterfeit American dollars.

They are said to have been caught with more than thirty-four kilograms of heroin and opium, which had allegedly been brought in from abroad for illegal sale throughout Vietnam.

The officials say the defendants are accused of being part of a gang which was active for at least two years.

If found guilty at the week-long trial, the defendants could face the firing squad. A twenty-third defendant is reported to have committed suicide while awaiting trial.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service