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Two dozen New York airport workers arrested in drugs bust
( 2003-11-26 11:21) (Xinhua)

Two dozen baggage handlers were arrested on charges of smuggling millions of dollars worth of drugs into Kennedy Airport in New York Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors say 24 former and current JFK workers, and an employee from Miami International Airport were arrested after a 14-month investigation.

The suspects allegedly took huge quantities of cocaine and marijuana off incoming flights, hid them and then distributed them later.

Federal agents conducted surveillance on flights from Guyana and watched workers stash drugs in luggage and cargo of the planes.

"Law enforcement has been and will continue to be vigilant about who has access to the tarmac and the airplanes that fly in and out of this country," said US Attorney Rosylnn Mauskopf.

The smuggling operation revealed what federal officials called a glaring vulnerability in the nation's security laws. Unlike baggage screeners, who became federal employees subject to more stringent federal regulations in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, baggage handlers are often employed by private contractors working for airlines.

All of those arrested had passed criminal background tests.

If convicted, the suspects face up to life in prison and 4 million dollars in fines.

 
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