First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

Contract TSA Employees in San Francisco Charged in Smuggling Scheme


Skift Take

This is what happens when a frontline of security is manned by temporary employees with zero loyalties to their employer. The TSA needs well-paid, full-time employees, not the kind of ex-mall cops contract work attracts.

Authorities say two security screeners at San Francisco International Airport have been charged with allowing methamphetamine to be smuggled through carry-on luggage at an airport checkpoint in exchange for money.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports a federal complaint unsealed Friday names 30-year-old Claudio Rene Sunux of San Francisco and 27-year-old Amanda Lopez of South San Francisco, who were security screeners contracted with the Transportation Security Administration. It also names 28-year-old Anibal Giovanni Ramirez of San Francisco, an alleged drug smuggler.

Officials say Sunux, Lopez and Ramirez agreed to allow methamphetamine to be smuggled in carry-on luggage through the security checkpoint at SFO in exchange for money.

The three planned the operation in part through messages on Facebook.

All three have charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. They are in federal custody and are expected to appear in court next week.

Up Next

Hotels

How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations

There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored
Experiences

TUI to Launch New Experiences Aimed at Locals

The new deal with Fever is tapping into Generation Z and Millennials' preferences for experiences over material goods, and giving TUI a new opportunity for sales with locals.