Air Canada Ground Crew Arrested in Airport Drug Trafficking Scheme
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RCMP investigators allege two employees leveraged secure access at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to move cocaine and cannabis.
Two Air Canada employees have been arrested as part of an alleged drug-trafficking operation that utilized secure zones at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, according to reporting from CityNews Toronto and CBC News.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that the suspects, who worked in ground-operations roles, are accused of conspiring to move luggage through restricted airport areas. This security access was allegedly used to bring cocaine into the country and export cannabis.
According to the RCMP, the investigation began in May after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted 62.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in four travel backpacks on a flight from Punta Cana. During the subsequent probe, officers seized an additional 56 kilograms of cannabis, which the RCMP noted were seized on July 10.
On Wednesday morning, the RCMP executed search warrants at a vehicle and two residences in the greater Montréal area. With cooperation from Air Canada, investigators also searched the employees' work base located in Dorval, Que.
Air Canada has suspended the two employees pending the results of the investigation, CBC News reports. The RCMP indicated that the suspects would be questioned and released pending further proceedings. Investigators noted that the case remains active and that evidence gathered during the searches may lead to further charges and arrests.