RCMP JOIN AIRPORT DRUG SEARCHES

Armed RCMP officers have joined Canada Customs in boarding and searching
selected flights arriving at Pearson airport for smuggled drugs.

Pearson is the only major airport where the Mounties are searching flights
for contraband.

"We are targeting anyone hiding contraband on aircraft," Sgt. Joe
McAllister said. "It could be passengers, airline employees or cleaners."

So far this year more than $20 million in assorted drugs have been found in
untagged suitcases abandoned at the airport.

The RCMP have repeatedly said ramp workers paid off by drug lords remove
the contraband, for about $50,000 each, from the planes before Customs
officers arrive.

Police said searches also turn up discarded immigration and travel
documents left behind by arrivals who make refugee claims.