MANILA — Authorities arrested two Filipino female passengers and confiscated suspected illegal drugs worth PHP56.6 million in an interdiction operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, the Bureau of Customs said.

In a statement, the bureau said the suspects arrived from Cambodia when they were apprehended during the operation.

Seized from their luggage were approximately 8,324 grams of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

The illegal drugs were reportedly concealed in improvised pouches made of carbon paper and packaging tape and hidden among coffee powder and personal belongings in an attempt to evade detection.

The suspects are set to face possible charges for violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended Customs-NAIA personnel and partner agencies for what he described as continued vigilance in securing the country’s borders.