The RCMP arrested eight people after an alleged drug smuggling operation was discovered at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
The accused were charged Friday after police executed seven search warrants in connection with dismantling an alleged criminal ring operating between Canada and the U.S., the RCMP said.
Police are alleging the group, mostly from Brampton, had members within the airport who were able to use their positions to help move drugs and money to and from Canada.
Police said the charges were laid in connection with the import, export and trafficking of:
- Approximately 39 kilograms of ecstasy;
- Three kilograms of cocaine;
- Eight pounds of marijuana; and
- About $106,000 in cash.
"There is a large volume of passenger and cargo traffic ... on a daily basis, which presents opportunity for organized crime groups," Supt. Ron Allen, the officer in charge of the Greater Toronto Area Drug Section, said in a press release.
"This issue has long been a concern for the enforcement agencies."
The arrests were part of an investigation named Project OCOOK. The project also lead to four airport employees being charged with theft-related offences by Peel police.
Police allege the individuals, who worked for two separate companies at Pearson, were stealing personal items from traveller's luggage and electronics from cargo shipments.
One of the two has also been charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, police said.
"This investigation highlights the threat that criminal organizations can impose on the air industry and the traveling public," Allen said.
Authorities in the U.S. also seized ecstasy that originated from Canada in Atlanta, Houston and Hartford as part of the operation, the RCMP said.
"The Toronto Airport Drug Enforcement Unit continues to be committed to working with Canadian and U.S. partners ... to lower the risk that criminal networks have on Canada's largest airport," Allen said.
Suspects arrested in Canada will appear in the Brampton courts.
