An Air Canada employee is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to export over 60 kilograms of cannabis from Toronto Pearson Airport. The cannabis was discovered in suitcases tagged with the names of two unsuspecting passengers, who were German citizens scheduled to depart on a commercial flight to Germany.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested the two passengers, who denied ownership of the bags containing 33 kilograms of cannabis each. A 32-year-old man from Mississauga, Ontario, has been charged with possessing cannabis for the purpose of export and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
In a separate development, Hangar 14 at Ottawa International Airport has been renovated and rededicated in honor of aviation pioneer Janusz Zurakowski. The renovation project, costing $93.6 million, was awarded to Ottawa-based Pomerleau Inc.
The newly renovated facility features approximately 6,600 square meters of modern office space and aircraft laboratories. This project is expected to significantly reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 58 percent, equivalent to about 3,000 tonnes.
David J. McGuinty, speaking at the rededication ceremony, stated, “We are proud to reopen and rededicate this historic facility as the Janusz Zurakowski Building, honouring an aviation pioneer who helped shape Canada’s aerospace legacy.”
The renovation of Hangar 14 is part of a multi-year project aimed at modernizing critical infrastructure at Ottawa International Airport, enhancing its operational capabilities and environmental sustainability.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further implications of the cannabis smuggling incident as investigations continue.