Drug arrest highlights need for better background screening for airline employees

The government agency in Canada tasked with ensuring the safety of passengers on transportation systems is under fire for not properly performing background screenings on a recently arrested airline employee. The Vancouver Sun reports that Mandeep Shahi, an airline attendant from Ontario, was arrested inside a London airport after it was discovered that she had been using her position to smuggle four kilograms of cocaine through various locations. A spokeswoman for Transport Canada, Maryse Durette, said that despite the recent arrest, proper background screenings were being performed. "There are specific security measures in place to balance aviation security and efficiency of flights, which are harmonized with screening requirements for crew members in the United States," Durette said in an email to the Sun. "In addition, every individual who requires access to the restricted areas of designate airports across Canada must first obtain a Transportation Security Clearance before a Restricted Area Identity Card can be issued." According to its website, Transport Canada works every year to improve safety concerns. The agency "conducts research into air transportation to improve the safety efficiency and competitiveness of Canadian aviation."