“Air Canada Employee Charged in Cannabis Smuggling Scheme”

An Air Canada employee is now facing charges from the RCMP for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 60 kilograms of cannabis out of a Toronto airport using suitcases labeled with the names of two unsuspecting passengers. The Canada Border Services Agency at Toronto’s Pearson airport alerted the RCMP on Feb. 19 after discovering approximately 33 kilograms of cannabis in each checked bag belonging to two German citizens scheduled to board a flight to Germany. Both passengers, who disclaimed ownership of the bags, were arrested by the Mounties. Investigation revealed that the suitcases were identical and had not been checked in by the passengers. The RCMP claims that the cannabis-containing suitcases were tagged by an Air Canada employee working in the baggage room with the names of the unsuspecting passengers. A 32-year-old individual from Mississauga, Ontario, has been charged with possession of cannabis for exportation and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. The two passengers, who fully cooperated with the authorities, were released without charges.