17 drug couriers arrested in Malaysia
Updated
Authorities in the Philippines and Malaysia say they have broken up a major international drug ring.
At least 17 people have been arrested in a joint operation.
Our reporter in Manila, Shirley Escalante says the Philippine Bureau of Investigation says nine Nigerians, a Sri Lankan and seven Filipino women who acted as drug couriers have been arrested in Kuala Lumpur.
Those arrested were allegedly involved in drug trafficking which used Malaysia as an entry point to bring drugs to China, Japan and several European countries.
Investigators say cocaine and heroin worth an estimated $US120,000 have been confiscated in the joint operations.
Investigations were conducted upon the request of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs after a Filipino woman was arrested in China for drug trafficking, and deported.
The syndicate allegedly offered free plane tickets, accommodations and pocket money to Filipino women who acted as couriers.
