A man and a woman were arrested last night, with the police saying they suspect both form part of an international drug ring.

The police said the first arrest was made at Malta International Airport, when a 25-year-old South American woman (no nationality was disclosed) was held. Later, a 39-year-old Nigerian living in Marsascala was also arrested.

The woman was found to be in possession of one kilogramme of white substance, believed to be cocaine. The substance was to be passed on to the Nigerian.

The two are to be arraigned on Sunday. The woman will be charged with importing and aggravated possession of the drug, and associated herself with other parties for the drug to be trafficked in Malta. The man will be accused of assisting in the importation of the drug and trafficking it.