Air Canada has suspended two employees arrested this week by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, marking the latest incident in what authorities describe as a growing problem at Canada's major travel hubs.
The RCMP arrested the two ground operations workers on Wednesday as part of an investigation into a conspiracy allegedly involving the movement of luggage through secure airport areas to facilitate the import of cocaine and export of cannabis. The force has since released both individuals pending further investigation.
Major Drug Seizures During Investigation
The investigation, which began in May following a significant intercept by the Canada Border Services Agency, has yielded substantial results. Authorities seized 62.5 kilograms of cocaine that was discovered in backpacks aboard a flight arriving from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, 56 kilograms of cannabis were recovered during the broader investigation.
"If there are accusations, it will depend on the analysis of the evidence we've gathered. It could take weeks, months," said RCMP spokesperson Marie-Pierre Guertin, indicating that additional arrests may follow as investigators continue their work.
Part of a Larger Pattern
The Montreal arrests are not isolated incidents. In March of this year, the RCMP arrested and charged an Air Canada employee at Toronto Pearson International Airport after discovering approximately 33 kilograms of cannabis concealed in suitcases.
Guertin acknowledged that airport-based drug trafficking represents an emerging challenge for law enforcement. "It's certain that this is a phenomenon that we've seen in the last few months too," she told media, suggesting that authorities are grappling with a systematic vulnerability in airport security procedures.
Air Canada declined to provide further comment beyond confirming the suspensions, citing the ongoing investigation.
This article is based on reporting from the Globe and Mail. Read the original story.