by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 12:50 PM ET, Wed August 26, 2026
Fresh allegations involving airport insiders are putting security at Canada’s major airports back under scrutiny, after an RCMP investigation led to the arrests of two Air Canada employees with access to restricted areas at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
The arrests come three months after TravelPulse Canada reported on a CTV W5 investigation into baggage-tag switching and alleged insider corruption at Canadian airports, including cases in which unsuspecting passengers' baggage tags were allegedly transferred to luggage containing drugs.
At the time, W5 had identified at least 17 passengers on flights originating in Canada who were detained after their baggage tags were allegedly used on drug-filled luggage. Some travellers were arrested, jailed or questioned overseas before being released.
Luggage containing drugs seized during the investigation. (Photo Credit: RCMP)
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested the two employees Wednesday, executing search warrants at two residences and a vehicle in the Greater Montreal area. A search was also being conducted at the employees' Air Canada work base in Dorval with the airline's cooperation.
According to the RCMP, the suspects held various positions connected to Air Canada's ground operations and had access to secure areas of the airport.
RELATED: What Travellers Need to Know About Canada’s Growing Airport Bag-Switching Scandal
“They are alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to bring and move luggage through secure areas of the airport to facilitate the importation of cocaine and the exportation of cannabis,” the RCMP said.
RCMP Corporal Marie-Pierre Guertin told CTV News that the employees' positions provided them with “access to secure zones.”
“Being able to handle the luggage and go through the system where all the luggage with the tags and all that, it did give them easier access to be able to get the drugs in certain luggage to be able to export them,” Guertin said.
“In this case...cocaine was imported from Punta Cana, and cannabis was exported to Punta Cana.”
The RCMP has not determined publicly how long the alleged operation had been underway, how many countries may have been involved or the value of the drugs connected to the investigation.
Checked luggage at airport (Photo Credit: IATA)
Air Canada Suspends Employees
Air Canada confirmed to CTV News that it had been informed about the investigation and arrests and "are cooperating fully with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”
The airline said, “the two employees in question have been suspended during investigations.”
The Montreal investigation comes amid increased scrutiny of insider access and organized crime at Canadian airports. Previous reporting by CTV's W5 has examined baggage-tag switching, alleged criminal activity involving airport employees and security vulnerabilities at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Air Canada declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation and employee privacy. Aéroports de Montréal said it is cooperating with authorities.
How Travellers Can Protect Themselves
W5 outlined several practical precautions travellers can take before checking their luggage.
Before You Check Your Bag:
*Take photos or videos of your luggage before handing it over
*Photograph your baggage tag clearly, including the barcode and destination
*Record your luggage weight at check-in if possible
*Ensure baggage tags are securely attached before the bag disappears onto the conveyor belt
*Keep baggage receipts and claim tags until your trip is complete
*Use luggage trackers like AirTags to monitor bag movement
*Travellers may also want to avoid checking luggage unnecessarily when possible, especially on complex international itineraries.
The RCMP is asking anyone with information related to illegal activity to call 514-939-8300 or 1-800-771-5401.
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