Police Nab Swissport Ground Crew in $147,000 Cannabis Smuggling Attempt to France

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da25540792a3f0927562eb41e3068884 RCMP arrest Swissport baggage handlers attempting to smuggle over $147,000 of cannabis to France

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 17, 2025 – On July 4, 2025, two employees of Swissport Canada Handling, a company specializing in baggage services, were taken into custody following a drug trafficking investigation that centered on the manipulation of baggage tags. Baggage tag manipulation involves deliberately altering the labels affixed to bags at an airport. Each baggage tag provides instructions to airport machinery regarding the bag’s destination and owner. In this particular instance, the baggage tag was swapped to make it appear as though the piece of luggage containing cannabis belonged to an unaware traveler.

The inquiry commenced in late May 2025 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, after a French national arrived in Paris and was detained by authorities under suspicion of importing Cannabis from Canada. After further examination, French authorities released the passenger without laying charges, and the matter was subsequently forwarded to the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment. The investigation determined that the individuals listed below allegedly tampered with baggage tags without the passenger’s consent. This action facilitated the unlawful transport of approximately 21 kilograms of Cannabis to France, with an estimated illicit market value of $147,000.

As a result, the RCMP Central Region Toronto Airport Detachment Border Integrity Response Team arrested and laid charges against the following individuals:

  • Dugal Hearne (51) of Woodbridge, Ontario, a Swissport employee with over 25 years of service, was charged with:
    • Exporting Cannabis – Section 11(1), Cannabis Act
    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Export – Section 11(2), Cannabis Act
    • Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Section 465(1), Criminal Code of Canada
  • Edward Wynter (56) of Brampton, Ontario, a Swissport employee with over 21 years of service, was charged with:
    • Exporting Cannabis – Section 11(1), Cannabis Act
    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Export – Section 11(2), Cannabis Act
    • Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Section 465(1), Criminal Code of Canada

Swissport Canada Handling demonstrated cooperation upon learning of this investigation, and their assistance contributed to the prompt apprehension of the accused individuals.

Both individuals charged have been released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear in court at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse in Brampton on August 6 and August 8, 2025, respectively.

The Border Integrity Response Team wishes to acknowledge the valuable contribution of French authorities, la PAF, for swiftly identifying the victim in this case and referring the file to the RCMP in Toronto.

“Members of the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment have been actively probing cases involving baggage tag alteration in attempts to illicitly transport drugs and contraband from Canada. I cannot overstate the necessity for the public to remain alert throughout all stages of their travel. The RCMP remains dedicated to combating organized crime groups who prey on unsuspecting individuals, regardless of their nationality.”
– Inspector John McMath Officer in Charge, RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment.

Key Facts

  • The RCMP shares responsibility for safeguarding all ports of entry from both inbound and outbound criminal threats through criminal investigations and prosecutions concerning narcotics smuggling.
  • With a nationwide presence in Canada, the RCMP is uniquely positioned to secure our border between official crossing points, as well as to conduct follow-up investigations when necessary.
  • The RCMP and its policing partners globally collaborate closely in investigative capacities to counteract the impact of cross-border criminal activity on our communities.

Should you possess any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminal acts, you may contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

Contact Information

RCMP Central Region (Ontario)
Communications & Media Relations
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SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Central Region

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