Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has asked the European Commission to investigate allegations that organised criminal networks have infiltrated baggage handling at Canadian airports, switching tags on unsuspecting passengers' luggage to bags containing drugs. In a priority written question submitted on 9 June 2026, Kountoura warns that at least 17 travellers have been apprehended or unfairly detained in third countries as a result, with EU Member States such as Germany and France among the destinations. She seeks concrete action to protect EU citizens from wrongful criminal proceedings.
The question cites recent journalistic investigations and a Canadian parliamentary query revealing that drug-trafficking networks allegedly exploited baggage handling procedures, swapping tags from innocent passengers' suitcases onto bags containing narcotics. Canadian authorities have announced a review of security procedures and strengthened cooperation with Belgian, French and Dutch authorities against international drug trafficking.
whether it has requested information from Canadian authorities on the alleged practices and their implications for EU travellers; whether it intends to assess if these cases reveal security gaps in baggage handling, given that the EU recognises the equivalence of Canada's aviation security measures under Regulation (EC) No 300/2008; and whether it will explore additional measures, in cooperation with Member States and relevant European agencies, to protect passengers who may be unfairly involved in criminal proceedings.
The question signals a push for the Commission to scrutinise the equivalence recognition and consider whether EU travellers need stronger safeguards. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it views the issue as a bilateral security matter or one requiring EU-level action.
EU travellers face potential legal jeopardy from baggage-tag switching, while EU aviation security authorities may need to reassess equivalence agreements with Canada. Canadian airport operators and airlines could face pressure to tighten baggage handling protocols. EU drug enforcement agencies may see increased cooperation requests.