1.
GV Public waiting for heroin burning
0.05

2.
SV Customs officer opening box
0.10

3.
SV Public watching
0.11

4.
SV & CU Heroin taken out for checking (2 shots)
0.24

5.
SV Customs officers take heroin box to burning site
0.32

6.
SV Crowd watches
0.34

7.
SCU Heroin set alight
0.43

8.
SV More heroin put on fire, and crowd looks on
0.56



Initials BB/1804 WMcS/TB/BB/1820



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The South Vietnamese authorities on Wednesday (4 July) staged a 3 million U.S. dollar (more than GBP 1 million sterling) bonfire, when they burnt more than 100 kilos (220 lbs) of heroin in the centre of Saigon. July the Fourth (Independence Day) was chosen for the ceremony because United states narcotics agents helped capture the haul.

Before the burning, South Vietnamese authorities warned of the heavy penalties for drug trading and use. They said 40 foreigners, including two Americans, were already in Saigon goals for drug offences.

Troops and police kept back a large crowd, which gathered outside Saigon City Hall for the bonfire. Gasoline was poured on the heroin, so fumes from it would not affect the spectators.

SYNOPSIS: On Wednesday South Vietnamese authorities staged a million pound sterling bonfire, to dispose of 100 kilos of pure heroin.

The fire was set in front of Saigon's City Hall. And the ate, a United States holiday, July the Fourth, recognised the part played by U.S. narcotics agents in the raid.

Customs officials directed the operation, and made a thorough inspection of the heroin before it was burnt.

Troops and police kept the large crowd in check, and the heroin was doused with gasoline, to prevent the fumes affecting the spectators.

Saigon authorities used the occasion to warn of severe penalties for drug trafficking and drug use. They said 40 foreigners -- including two Americans -- were in gaol for drug offences.