A drug trafficking organization allegedly using airport baggage employees to circumvent the Transportation Security Administration has finally been busted.
Fourteen people were charged Monday with perpetuating a drug ring that smuggled suitcases full of marijuana onto airplanes, including three baggage handlers at Oakland International Airport.
The handlers allegedly snuck suitcases full of marijuana through special areas off limits to passengers where they could circumvent TSA screening. The handlers then allegedly used their security badges to go through a door to the main terminal area where they would hand off the suitcases to waiting accomplices who would take them as carry on luggage to their destination.
The drugs would then be allegedly sold around the country, The operation had been running smoothly since as far back as July 2012.
Californians Kenneth Wayne Fleming, 32, Keith Ramon Mayfield, 34, and Michael Herb Videau, 28, are the baggage handlers accused of using their job to traffic drugs.
All fourteen involved have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The minimum sentence is 5 years in prison and the maximum is 40 years imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
“Oakland International Airport (OAK) has been working closely with law enforcement from the outset of this investigation to root out, stop, and prevent criminal activity and we’re pleased to see the investigation concluding and the people involved held accountable,” the airport said in a statement. “Oakland International Airport has a robust, multi-layered security program that exceeds federal requirements and uses a variety of measures to protect the safety and security of its employees, customers, facilities and operations.”
The TSA would not comment to The Daily Caller News Foundation on the incident.
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