Two Air Canada employees arrested in alleged drug trafficking scheme at YUL

Two Air Canada employees have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation involving cocaine and cannabis moving through Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Wednesday (Aug. 26).

The arrests follow an investigation by the RCMP's Airport and Federal Investigations Detachment into the alleged movement of luggage through secure areas of the airport.

According to police, the two suspects hold various positions related to ground operations at Air Canada.

Investigators allege the employees participated in a conspiracy to bring and move luggage through secure areas of Montreal-Trudeau in order to facilitate the importation of cocaine and exportation of cannabis.

The investigation dates back to May 2026, when a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operation led to the interception of 62.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The drugs were allegedly concealed inside backpacks carried on a flight arriving from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Police said another 56 kilograms of cannabis were seized over the course of the subsequent investigation.

Beginning early Wednesday morning, police executed search warrants at two residences and a vehicle in the Greater Montréal area.

With Air Canada's cooperation, investigators also conducted a search at the work base used by the airline employees in Dorval, the RCMP said.

The two individuals arrested are expected to be questioned and released pending further proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said analysis of the evidence collected could result in additional arrests and charges.

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