Air Canada employee charged over drug trafficking at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that an Air Canada employee, identified as Atasha Weathley, a 32-year-old from Mississauga, has been charged following an alleged drug trafficking attempt involving passenger luggage tags.
The investigation began on February 19 when officers were called to the airport after Canada Border Services Agency staff discovered cannabis in two checked bags belonging to separate passengers traveling to Germany. Each suitcase contained approximately 33 kilograms of cannabis.
Two German passengers, who did not know each other, were arrested but later released after denying ownership of the bags. Authorities determined that the luggage had not been checked in by the passengers; instead, an employee working in the baggage area attached luggage tags with the passengers’ names to the suitcases.
RCMP Supt. Dale Foote stated that this investigation highlights the commitment to protecting Canada’s cross-border air transportation system and holds accountable those attempting to exploit their position of trust within the aviation industry for illegal activities. Weathley has been released on bail and is due in court in Brampton on April 10.