AIRPORT DRUG RING

RCMP say cocaine hidden in jet seats

Pearson airport workers are believed to be involved in an international
drug-smuggling ring that was thwarted by the RCMP and Canada Customs in
attempts to import $2 million worth of cocaine.

The Mounties said 10 kilograms of high-quality cocaine hidden under the
seats of BWIA jets arriving from Trinidad was seized in a two-week period.

"It certainly appears to be an inside job," Staff-Sgt. Bill Matheson said
yesterday. "The drugs were left there for someone here to take off." He
said 6.6 kilos of coke worth about $1.3 million was found under six
different seats of an aircraft Aug. 20.

Another 3.3 kilos, worth $660,000, was found under three seats last Friday.

"If they (smugglers) could plant drugs on an aircraft, then they could
plant anything else they want," Matheson said.

The Mounties said the stash was meant to be removed and smuggled off
airport property by airport workers who had access to the empty planes.

"The people here would know the seat numbers and exactly what to look for,"
Matheson said, adding it's unlikely a passenger would bring the drugs on
board since they undergo screening at the airport in Trinidad.

Customs spokesman Duncan Smith said the drugs were wrapped in flat plastic
packages and taped together. He said they were hidden between seat cushions
and frames in different seats of the cabin.

"We believe the drugs were to be removed by someone here," Smith said. "We
don't believe a passenger left it there."

He said the drugs were seized after customs officers boarded the craft
before airport crews.

"This is one way of smuggling I haven't heard of before," Smith said.

"Smugglers are always coming up with new ways."

The RCMP said its probe is continuing.

No arrests have been made.

Copyright (c) 1998, Canoe Limited Partnership.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan