Two Air Canada ground staff charged in Montreal airport drug-trafficking scheme

Two Air Canada employees have been arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine and cannabis through secure areas of Montréal-Trudeau airport. Over 62 kg of cocaine and 56 kg of cannabis were seized.

Two Air Canada ground staff charged in Montreal airport drug-trafficking scheme

Air Canada workers accused of using airport access to move drugs through Montréal-Trudeau

Two Air Canada ground-operations employees have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking operation at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports, citing an RCMP announcement made Wednesday.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that search warrants were executed early Wednesday morning at two residences and a vehicle in the greater Montréal area. Investigators also searched the suspects' work base in Dorval, Que., with Air Canada's cooperation.

The two employees are accused of conspiring to move luggage through restricted airport zones in order to facilitate the importation of cocaine and the exportation of cannabis. The RCMP says the scheme depended on the suspects' privileged access to secure areas of the airport.

The investigation was launched in May after a Canada Border Services Agency operation intercepted 62.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in four travel backpacks aboard a flight arriving from Punta Cana. During the subsequent probe, officers also seized 56 kilograms of cannabis allegedly connected to the same network.

Both suspects were taken into custody Wednesday morning. The RCMP says they will be questioned and released pending further proceedings.

The case remains active, according to investigators, who say evidence gathered during the searches could lead to additional arrests and charges.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)