A group of 10 airport workers based at Dallas-Fort Worth have been busted for allegedly operating a drug smuggling ring using commercial flights.
Prosecutors said the workers were arrested this week and indicted on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
They are accused of using their security credentials to bypass checks and place meth on flights.
They allegedly transported 145 pounds of the drug to destinations including Newark, New Jersey, Phoenix and Charlotte beginning in 2016.
Seven of the accused work for Envoy Air and at least two are employed by Spirit Airlines.
"At American and Envoy Air, we have an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our customers and team members. We take this matter very seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation," American Airlines said in a statement.
One defendant told undercover investigators he could transport firearms on commercial flights and even plastic explosives.
"Like many cases that my office prosecutes, this is about greed and people who abuse their positions of trust. This case shows the lengths that these individuals would go to just to obtain cash," said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
