Manila, Sept. 24 -- Three inbound passengers who arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Thursday were arrested by authorities after their luggage was found to contain illegal drugs.

In a news release, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-NAIA said the Filipino passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.

Physical examination on their luggage, which initially appeared to contain foodstuff, was found to contain 18,679 grams of high-grade marijuana or "kush" with an estimated value of PHP18,679,000.

The BOC said examination and verification procedures are still ongoing.

It added that further details will be released upon completion of the examination and appropriate validation by the concerned authorities....