Two 
Delta Air Lines
ramp agents were arrested for using their positions to smuggle over $3 million worth of ketamine through New York JFK Airport
(JFK), according to federal authorities.
On September 19, two agents from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Leandro Alleyne and Fabian Innis, were taken into custody. According to federal authorities, Alleyne and Innis were spotted taking bags and backpacks off Delta Flight 219, which was arriving from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Photo: Ian Dewar Photography | Shutterstock
Investigators for the US Department of Homeland Security were suspicious when the baggage, which contained 134 pounds of ketamine, was moved to a remote place on the airport tarmac. Inside the bags, investigators discovered clear plastic packages filled with a white, crystallized substance, later identified as ketamine. The complete haul weighed 134 pounds and had an estimated street value of $3 million.
Not the first time
Investigators had been keeping an eye on Alleyne and Innis, and when they saw the pair unwrapping the bags, they moved in to make the arrest.
Innis admitted that he was involved in the transport of drugs five to ten times upon his arrest, and he had taken part in the smuggling operation several times. He stated he was not aware that the bags included ketamine even though he knew they contained illegal drugs. Innis further said that his compensation for each smuggling run varied between $4,000 and $5,000.
Alleyne and Innis have been charged with drug importation and smuggling. Both of them pleaded not guilty. They were freed on $50,000 bail each, pending further court procedures.
Possible larger smuggling network
Investigators suspect the two Delta agents may have been part of a larger drug trafficking network. The baggage tags on four of the ketamine-filled suitcases were connected to two different passengers on Flight 219, which gave officials reason to suspect that more people were participating in the smuggling operation, according to Brooklyn Federal Court papers. The prosecutors did not disclose if the passengers were part of the smuggling plot, but did suggest Alleyne and Innis were working together with others.
A source close to the investigation told The New York Post, “It looks like an inside job,” suggesting that others at the airline or airport may have been involved as well.
“It appears that the backpacks were stowed away within the luggage. Somebody on the other side must have put the backpacks into the luggage after they went through customs.” the source said.
Delta Air Lines confirmed that Alleyne and Innis had no legitimate reasons to handle or remove the checked bag. A Delta spokesperson said in a statement to The New York Post:
“Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct by anyone at any place in our global operation and will always work with law enforcement to that end.
Concerns have been raised regarding the security systems at airports being vulnerable and the possibility of insider involvement in drug trafficking. In August, four flight attendants pleaded guilty to smuggling $8 million of drug money through JFK.