Hong Kong police announced Wednesday a transitional drug trafficking syndicate was smashed, and 11.7 million HK dollars (1.5 million US dollars) worth of psychotropic drugs seized during Tuesday's operation.

Police also arrested eight people and investigations are continuing.

Three anti-drug-trafficking operations were mounted between February and June against the syndicate, with the latest one mounted at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Two women aged 59 and 41 were intercepted at the Hong Kong international airport when they returned from Europe. About 70,000ecstasy tablets were found concealed inside false compartments in their suitcases.

If sold in the retail market, the haul could fetch about 6.65 million HK dollars (0.85 million US dollars), police said.

Police arrested them for trafficking in dangerous drugs. They are being detained for inquiries.

Earlier operations saw arrest of six men.

Source: Xinhua