Flight Attendants Accused of Smuggling $8 Million Worth of Drugs Past TSA – Federal Prosecutors Expose Airline Security Vulnerabilities

NEW YORK – Four flight attendants are accused of smuggling $8 million worth of drugs past the TSA on flights and out of the country.

Federal prosecutors say the four New York-based flight attendants used their high positions to run millions in drug money to the Dominican Republic while working their flights.

“This investigation has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the airline security industry and highlighted methods used by narcotics traffickers,” a federal official said.

The federal indictment alleges that the flight crew members, at least two working for Delta Airlines, smuggled a total of $8 million through “known crew member security lines” at Port -JFK flight, which allowed them to bypass TSA security.

The complaint states that it is an “international narcotics trafficking, and money laundering operation involved in the trafficking of fentanyl using flight attendants at major airlines to transfer large amounts of to smuggle money.”

Investigators say a member of the ring recruited the flight attendants and then, when they boarded the bus, overpowered them, eventually capturing them in a standoff while the feds ‘ look.

Delta said Wednesday it had suspended two employees pending an internal investigation.

The airline says it has “fully cooperated with law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to do so.”

Delta is one of three airlines that fly from New York to the Dominican Republic, but it is unclear where the other two suspects work.

All are charged with felonies and could face up to ten years in federal prison.