New airport scam: innocent passengers used as drug mules through luggage tag swap

Criminals are swapping luggage tags at airports to send drug-filled suitcases under the names of innocent travellers. At least 17 cases have been uncovered on flights departing from Canada.

New airport scam: innocent passengers used as drug mules through luggage tag swap

A sophisticated new method is being used to smuggle drugs through airports: criminals swap luggage tags so that suitcases packed with narcotics travel under the names of completely unsuspecting passengers. An investigation by Canadian broadcaster CTV News uncovered at least 17 cases where innocent travellers fell victim to this scam.

The scheme works as follows: a passenger checks in their bag normally at the counter, where a luggage tag is attached containing their personal details and destination. However, corrupt airport employees later remove these tags and reattach them to different suitcases filled with drugs.

The flights originated from Canada and arrived in several countries including Germany, France, and Morocco. Upon arrival, authorities found narcotics in luggage linked to unsuspecting passengers, and several were taken into custody. Investigations eventually cleared all known victims.

GPS trackers were often placed inside the drug-laden suitcases, allowing criminals to monitor the shipment's journey and retrieve the contraband once it reached the destination country. The operation required inside help at the airport, and several airport workers have been arrested in connection with the case.

Experts say preventing this type of fraud is difficult because luggage leaves passengers' control after check-in. They recommend travellers photograph their luggage tags before handing over bags and keep an eye on their belongings throughout the airport process.

Source: RTL.hu

Source: Google News HU — Crime (hu)