Two Air Canada Employees Arrested at Montréal-Trudeau for Drug Trafficking
Two Air Canada ground operations staff were arrested on Aug. 26 for allegedly smuggling cocaine and cannabis through Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Air Canada has since suspended both employees.
Air Canada Staff Arrested in Montréal Drug Smuggling Operation
Two Air Canada employees have been arrested in connection with cocaine imports and cannabis exports through Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports, citing an August 26 announcement by the RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region.
The RCMP executed search warrants at two residences and a vehicle in the greater Montréal area. A simultaneous search was also underway at the employees' work base in Dorval, carried out with Air Canada's cooperation.
According to the Airport and Federal Investigations Detachment, both suspects held positions related to ground operations at the airline. They are alleged to have conspired to move luggage through secure airport areas in order to facilitate cocaine importation and cannabis exportation.
The investigation was launched in May 2026 following a Canada Border Services Agency operation that intercepted 62.5 kg of cocaine concealed in backpacks on a flight arriving from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. During the subsequent investigation, police also seized 56 kg of cannabis.
Both individuals were questioned and released pending further proceedings. Police say analysis of the collected evidence could lead to additional arrests and charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
Air Canada confirmed on August 27 that it had suspended the two employees.
Not the First Such Case
This is the second time in recent months that RCMP has moved against Air Canada employees over alleged involvement in illicit cannabis exports.
On March 12, 2026, RCMP Federal Policing–Central Region arrested and charged a separate Air Canada employee in connection with an attempted export of approximately 66 kilograms of cannabis from Toronto Pearson International Airport.
That case originated from a February 19, 2026, incident in which CBSA officers discovered roughly 33 kilograms of cannabis in each of the checked bags belonging to two German citizens who were booked on a commercial flight to Germany. The two passengers were travelling independently and had no prior connection to each other.
RCMP officers arrested both travellers, but each denied owning the luggage. Investigators subsequently determined that the suitcases were identical and that neither passenger had checked them in. Evidence pointed to an Air Canada baggage room employee who had attached luggage tags bearing the passengers' names to suitcases already containing cannabis. Both passengers cooperated fully and were released without charges.
The Air Canada employee implicated in that case was arrested on March 12 and charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of export and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
Superintendent Dale Foote, Officer in Charge of Border Integrity at RCMP Federal Policing–Central Region, commented on that case: "This investigation demonstrates the commitment of the RCMP and CBSA to protecting the integrity of Canada's cross‑border air transportation system. Individuals who attempt to exploit their position of trust within the aviation industry to facilitate illegal activity will be held accountable. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and industry partners to prevent, detect, and disrupt criminal activity at our borders."
Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)