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A drug smuggling scheme that has framed multiple innocent travellers flying out of Toronto Pearson Airport has shocked Canadians, and people are taking extra precautions when going on their next trip.
An investigative series by CTV News’ investigative unit W5 published on Tuesday revealed that at least 17 passengers flying from Canada were arrested and jailed abroad over the past year, after their baggage tags were allegedly switched as part of a new drug-smuggling scheme involving airport staff.
Criminal defence lawyer Ryan Handlarski told The Brandon Gonez Show that unfortunately he has encountered situations like this in the past.
“My sense of it is corruption is getting worse,” Handlarski told The Brandon Gonez Show.
He explained how this scheme is similar to the car theft involving workers from Service Ontario.
“It’s the simplicity of it that’s worrying. All you need to do is get somebody who’s corrupt, who has a good government job, I might add, benefits, they’re a trusted member of the civil service, and all you need is one who’s corrupt, and then all of a sudden you’ve stolen a vehicle,” he explained.
The Brandon Gonez Show spoke to Canadians to get their reaction on this issue.
“Well, I think that airport controls are very important, and for sure they could be helpful. And I think they could improve it, and even increment it a little bit more,” Nicolo B told The Brandon Gonez Show. “Even though it could cost a little bit more waiting for us, like waiting for the controls, but I think it’s for a good cause.”
Many were unaware that there were multiple recent cases of this scheme that took place within the year, and are calling for higher security measures at Pearson Airport.
“They got to figure out some sort of way of cracking down on that, added security or something. Because obviously you don’t want to be tagged to something that you’re not doing, so it’s crazy,” shared Christian R.
What Pearson Airport says about the allegations
According to W5’s investigation, the RCMP arrested six Toronto Pearson International Airport workers in connection with the alleged bag switching schemes over the last year.
The airport did not confirm to The Brandon Gonez Show whether the allegations are true, but said it is aware of the issues raised in the investigation.
It also emphasized that passenger safety remains a “top concern,” and said its airport authority supports security efforts through systems, access controls, and an internal security function that reviews procedures regularly.
“Security is a shared responsibility with the federal government, aviation agencies, police and security services and individual employers whose mandates include passenger and cargo screening, the interception of prohibited goods, on-site policing, criminal investigations, background checks, security clearances, worker training and monitoring,” Pearson said in an email shared with The Brandon Gonez Show.
The Brandon Gonez Show also reached out to RCMP for comment, but did not receive a response before publishing.
How Canadians can protect their luggage
In light of the investigation Shah shared some tips for Canadian travellers which can help them avoid the scheme, or at least strengthen their case if they are wrongfully accused.
Firstly, the security expert recommends Canadians become aware of laws and enforcement processes in the country they wish to visit before travelling.
Handlarski explained that while in Canada, suspects are treated as innocent until proven guilty as per the legal system, but that is not the case in a lot of other countries, in which it might be more difficult for travellers to prove their innocence in these cases.
“This is an excellent reminder for members of the public of the importance of the presumption of innocence and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, because those things can happen. And now the public knows those things do happen, and they can happen quite easily, it seems,” said Handlarski.
In addition, some countries include severe penalties for those caught smuggling drugs, including the death penalty.
Being aware of the laws might be useful to alert travellers on when extra precautions might be needed.
It is recommended that travellers avoid “common luggage” and opt for options that can be easily distinguishable.
“Put something on your bag that’s identifiable, so you can prove it’s not your bag when you’re in that situation,” Handlarski tells The Brandon Gonez Show.
The simple travel habits that could help prove your innocence
In addition, he says it might be a good idea to take pictures of the bags while they are still open and after the tags are on at the airport. This step might help travellers identify if their items have been moved or if something was added to their bags, as well as prove which luggage the tag was originally on.
“Take precautions, make sure you have photographs of your bag, something identifiable that makes it your bag, uniquely your bag, is a good idea too,” Handlarski recommends. “If you are in that situation of detention or arrest, you have evidence.”
‘Stay vigilant’: Security expert urges travellers to remain cautious, use tracking devices
In this case, tracking devices such as Apple AirTags can serve as an extra layer of security for passengers, allowing them to know where their luggage is at all times.
Another plus is that these devices also allow travellers to locate their luggage if it is lost.
Handlarski emphasizes the rights that Canadians have if they were to be caught in a situation like this, reiterating, “Thank goodness that we have the presumption of innocence and proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We should never take it for granted.”
