Vancouver airport workers accused in drug bust
Two security screeners at Vancouver International Airport are facing drug smuggling charges after officers busted another man allegedly attempting to export nearly 15 kilograms of ecstasy to the U.S.
According to the RCMP, officers with the Canada Border Services Agency stopped a passenger who had already passed through security clearance at the U.S. departure gates on May 9.
"During questioning, the subject admitted to carrying drugs in his backpack. The subject was arrested and escorted to the CBSA secondary area for examination, where CBSA officers located 14.77 kilograms of suspected MDMA in the 20-year-old Vancouver man's backpack," said a statement issued by Const. Michael McLaughlin on Thursday.
"In the days following the first arrest, an intensive RCMP investigation uncovered a conspiracy to export MDMA through the Vancouver airport. The conspiracy allegedly involved two uniformed pre-board screening officers working for a company contracted by CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)," said the statement.
Ten days later, the RCMP arrested Gurvinder Singh Pahl, 24, of Richmond, and Ajitpal Singh Judge, 31, of Surrey, on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance, and breach of trust. Pahl is facing an additional charge of failure to comply with a probation order.
Both Pahl and Judge were held until May 24, when they appeared in Richmond Provincial Court. They have since been released on bail and will make their next court appearance on June 15, said police.
"The drug courier arrested on May 9 was released at the time, but Dylan Scott Green of Vancouver has now been arrested on upgraded charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance," said the statement.
The investigation continues, police said.
