Two Thai women were tried yesterday over their alleged attempts to smuggle more than half a kilogram of cocaine from Brazil to Thailand via Phnom Penh.

In May 2013, Cambodian Anti-Drug Police received a tip from Thai officials about a drug-trafficking network with plans to bring drugs through Phnom Penh International Airport, according to Colonel Yeng Bunna of the Anti-Drug Police.

Thanyanat Sama-Arphat, 31, was arrested at the airport on May 4 last year after police found six packages of cocaine hidden in her underwear, Bunna said.

Police arrested a second woman, Wong Trakool Sangdao, 41, who they believe travelled to Phnom Penh to receive the drugs at the Khmer City Hotel in Prampi Makara District.

According to Bunna, the women were part of a trafficking ring led by two Nigerian men, Osanna and John, living in Thailand. Both women denied knowledge of the drugs, saying they had only agreed to transport clothing for $3,000 each. Their verdicts are expected on March 27.