Two Air Canada employees arrested in cocaine and cannabis trafficking through Montreal airport
RCMP alleges ground-operations staff used secure-area access to move luggage carrying cocaine imports and cannabis exports through Montréal-Trudeau.
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Two Air Canada employees have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking operation that moved cocaine and cannabis through secure areas of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the RCMP announced Wednesday.
Search warrants were executed early Wednesday morning at two residences and a vehicle in the greater Montréal area, and at the employees' work base in Dorval, Que., with Air Canada's cooperation. Both suspects work in ground-operations roles.
According to the RCMP, the two employees are accused of participating in a conspiracy to move luggage through restricted airport zones to facilitate the importation of cocaine and the exportation of cannabis. Investigators say the scheme relied on the suspects' access to secure areas of the airport.
The investigation began in May after a Canada Border Services Agency operation intercepted 62.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in four travel backpacks on a flight arriving from Punta Cana. Over the course of the probe, officers also seized 56 kilograms of cannabis allegedly linked to the same network.
Both suspects were arrested Wednesday morning and will be questioned and released pending further proceedings. The RCMP says the case remains active, and that evidence collected during the searches could lead to additional arrests and charges. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
The facts
How much cocaine was intercepted in the initial investigation?
Canada Border Services Agency officers intercepted 62.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in four travel backpacks on a flight arriving from Punta Cana in May.
What were the suspects' jobs at Air Canada?
Both suspects worked in ground-operations roles at Air Canada, which gave them access to secure areas of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
When were the suspects arrested?
The two Air Canada employees were arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when search warrants were executed at residences, a vehicle, and their work base in the greater Montréal area.
How much cannabis was seized during the investigation?
Officers seized 56 kilograms of cannabis allegedly linked to the drug-trafficking network over the course of the probe.
