18-year-old Winnipegger accused of attempting to smuggle drugs out of Calgary airport

Police say a Winnipeg woman was pulled off a plane departing from Calgary International Airport last month after border officers allegedly discovered her bag was filled with illegal drugs.

RCMP say on June 23, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at YYC were inspecting outbound luggage when they came across a bag headed for Narita, Japan.

The suitcase, which had already been flagged for abnormalities, was found to have 30 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in it, according to police.

“This is the largest seizure of methamphetamines that we’ve seen here at the Calgary International Airport,” said Lisa White, CBSA port director at the Calgary airport.

“It’s not very common to find a full suitcase of meth. This quantity is unusual. In one suitcase in particular, it is unusual to see this.”

The traveller had already boarded their outbound flight, prompting CBSA officers to locate and enter the plane to arrest the owner of the luggage, which was done without incident.

“It goes to show that we won’t allow our borders to be used for illegal activity, regardless if the drugs are coming into Canada or leaving Canada,” said White.

Eighteen-year-old Mariane Lee is facing several charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

CBSA numbers show a steady rise in drug seizures from 2018 to 2024, but that did drop off in the past fiscal year. Officers seized over 50 million grams of substances in 2024-25, down from 74 million the year prior.

RCMP said they would not comment as the matter is now before the courts.

–With files from Stef Lasuik in Winnipeg