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2001 December Report of the Auditor General of Canada

December 2001 Report—Chapter 11

Case Study 11.1—Airline employees arrested in drug importation ring

The Toronto Airport Drug Enforcement Unit has dismantled an alleged internal conspiracy involving the importation of illegal drugs through Toronto's Lester B. Pearson Airport. This criminal network included six staff operating within Air Canada ground service personnel. They used their positions of employment and access of areas in the airport to smuggle into Canada drugs hidden aboard aircraft. Ten people were arrested for conspiracy and importation of illegal drugs.

During the 11 month investigation, the unit seized 40 kilograms of cocaine, 40 kilograms of hash oil, and 20 kilograms of hashish. During today's searches and arrests, additional drugs and a loaded firearm were seized.

The investigation team consisted of the RCMP, Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police, and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, with co-operation from Air Canada.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police press release (29 November 2000)