An Air Canada employee is facing charges after an alleged attempt to smuggle cannabis out of Toronto Pearson International Airport.

According to a news release issued Monday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said officers were called to Canada’s busiest airport on Feb. 19 after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered approximately 66 kilograms of cannabis split between two checked bags belonging to German citizens scheduled to fly to Germany.

RCMP allege the drugs were concealed using luggage tags attached to the unsuspecting passengers’ bags.

The passengers were reportedly travelling separately and did not know each other. Both were arrested but denied owning the luggage, and investigators later determined that neither traveller had actually checked in the suitcases.

Police said the bags were identical and had been deliberately tagged.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Central Region arrested and charged an Air Canada employee in connection with an attempted export of approximately 66 kilograms of cannabis from Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA).

🔗https://t.co/rtdUhA51kR… pic.twitter.com/JjqgVu1ScH


— RCMP in Ontario (@RCMPONT) March 30, 2026

Investigators found that an Air Canada employee working in the baggage room had placed the luggage tags bearing the passengers’ names onto the suitcases containing the cannabis.

According to Pearson Airport’s website and the Cannabis Act, which came into effect on Oct. 2018, “taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis across Canada’s international borders remains illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad.” This applies even if the cannabis was purchased legally in Canada.

After an investigation, RCMP officers arrested 32-year-old Mississauga resident and Air Canada employee Atasha Weathley on March 12.

Weathley has been charged with possession for the purpose of export under the Cannabis Act and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence under the Criminal Code.

They were held for bail and released with conditions, and are scheduled to appear in Brampton court on April 10.