Air Canada employee used bag tags in cannabis trafficking plot: RCMP

The RCMP says an Air Canada employee has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 60 kilograms of cannabis out of a Toronto airport using suitcases labeled with the names of two unsuspecting passengers.

According to a press release, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) alerted the RCMP on Feb. 19 after discovering roughly 33 kilograms of cannabis in each of two checked bags belonging to German travellers scheduled to fly to Germany from Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

Both passengers were travelling separately and were not known to each other.

Officers initially detained both passengers, who denied owning the luggage, police say.

Investigators later determined that the identical suitcases had not been checked in by either individual.

Baggage room bust

The RCMP alleges that an Air Canada baggage room employee placed luggage tags bearing the unsuspecting passengers’ names on the bags containing drugs.

Both passengers cooperated fully with the police and were released without charges.

A 32-year-old Air Canada employee, Atasha Weathley, from Mississauga, ON, has since been charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of export and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Weathley was held for bail and released with conditions. Her next court date is April 10, 2026, at a Brampton courthouse.

"This investigation demonstrates the commitment of the RCMP and CBSA to protecting the integrity of Canada's cross–border air transportation system,” said Superintendent Dale Foote, OIC Border Integrity, Federal Policing – Central Region, in a statement.

“Individuals who attempt to exploit their position of trust within the aviation industry to facilitate illegal activity will be held accountable.”

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