Five Airport Employees Charged with Drug Offences

TORONTO, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - Investigators from the RCMP Greater Toronto Area Drug Section - Toronto Airport Drug Enforcement Unit (TADEU) arrested 9 persons throughout the Greater Toronto Area and charged them with various drug related offences.

This investigation, dubbed Project OTAG, began in February 2010.  While working in conjunction with the United States Homeland Security Investigations and the Jamaican Constabulary Force information was received that led investigators to several employees at the Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport believed to be involved in the importation and exportation of drugs.  Authorities are alleging that during the investigation, a variety of drugs flowed in and out of the airport on chartered airlines.  The drugs include MDMA (ecstasy), Cannabis Resin (hashish) and Khat.  The police are further alleging that this group used their employment as baggage handlers at the Airport to facilitate the movement of these drugs. 

Authorities in Canada worked with the Jamaican Constabulary Anti-Corruption Unit resulting in the arrest of Jamaican nationals -one of whom is a Jamaican police officer. They were arrested for their role in the importation/exportation of controlled substances.

"The sheer size of Pearson Airport means that it functions in a similar way to a small city and like most small cities it has its associated criminal element," stated Superintendent Rick Penney, Officer in Charge of the RCMP GTA Drug Enforcement Unit.  "Our primary concern is always for the safety of the public."

Charges include conspiracy, importation and exportation of controlled substances.  Arrested today were:

Joebuah Kenyatta LEE, age 39, of Mississauga, Ontario
Kamal MOHAMED, age 29, of Toronto, Ontario
Roger Roderick JOHN, age 44, of Toronto, Ontario
Patrick VALERIANO, age 24, of Brampton, Ontario
Rohan MITCHELL, age 38, of Mississauga, Ontario
Ali Shire KHALIF, age 27, of Toronto, Ontario
Sheldon STEWART, age 28, of North York, Ontario
Vincent SADDLER, age 52, of Savanna, La Mar, Jamaica
Donavon CLARKE, age 37, of Paradise, St. James, Jamaica

Warrants have been issued for Dahir Nur ALI, age 45, and Suweys YUSUF, age 44, both are from Toronto, Ontario.  The investigation is still ongoing.

"The positive results of this investigation show how partnership between law enforcement agencies, both domestic and international, can work to advance public safety," said Rick Comerford, Regional Director General of the Canada Border Service Agency. "This is part of the agency's efforts to fight drug smuggling and keep our communities safe."

All accused will appear at Brampton Courthouse today for bail hearings.

Toronto Airport Drug Enforcement Unit (TADEU) is a joint forces unit comprised of members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and Canada Border Services Agency.

For further information:

Sgt. Marc LaPorte
RCMP  "O"  Division (Ontario)
Media Relations
Office: 519-640-7302
Mobile : [phone]