2 Delta Ramp Agents Caught Allegedly Smuggling Ketamine

Two Delta Air Lines employees were arrested after being caught allegedly smuggling $3 million worth of ketamine at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

At a Glance

Two Delta Air Lines ramp agents at JFK Airport were arrested for allegedly smuggling ketamine from Denmark.
The agents, Leandro Alleyne and Fabian Inniss, were reportedly caught with four suitcases containing 133.8 pounds of ketamine worth $3 million.
The incident occurred on September 18 after Flight 219 landed from Copenhagen.
Alleyne and Inniss were not scheduled for ramp duty but offloaded the bags anyway.
Another Delta employee witnessed them moving the bags to Alleyne’s vehicle.

Key Details of the Incident

Two Delta Air Lines ramp agents, identified as Leandro Alleyne and Fabian Inniss, were apprehended for allegedly smuggling ketamine from Flight 219, which had arrived from Copenhagen on September 18. Reports indicate the agents were caught with four suitcases containing 133.8 pounds of the drug with an estimated street value of $3 million.

The agents were not scheduled for any ramp duty yet managed to offload the baggage anyway. Another witness within the Delta workforce saw the men transferring the baggage to Alleyne’s vehicle, raising suspicion and leading to the apprehensions.

Incriminating Confessions and Investigations

Fabian Inniss admitted to law enforcement that this was not his first time engaging in such activities. He confessed that he had previously smuggled bags with Alleyne and received between $4,000 to $5,000 per flight for his illicit services. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of drug importation and smuggling and were subsequently released on a $50,000 bond.

According to Homeland Security, the duo was seen approaching Flight 219, opening the bags, and moving them to a deserted area of the tarmac. The suitcases were tagged with the names of two passengers from the same flight, hinting at a possible larger operation involving more individuals.

Delta Air Lines ramp agents arrested for smuggling ketamine through JFK Airporthttps://t.co/vPQaYv5QIE pic.twitter.com/GeZDvMFQnk

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 30, 2024

Delta Air Lines’ Response and Security Measures

Delta Air Lines emphasized its strict stance against illicit activities. A company spokesperson affirmed, “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct by anyone at any place in our global operation and will always work with law enforcement to that end.” Delta reiterated that there was “no legitimate reason” for Alleyne and Inniss to be handling the luggage, reinforcing the severity and unexpected nature of the breach.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan emphasized the importance of investigating the destination of the ketamine, as this could have significant implications for community safety. Brennan stated, “If I were running that case, I’d be more interested in where it was going rather than where it was coming from because that is what would have the greatest impact on our community.”

Context of the Issue

Ketamine is primarily known as a surgical anesthetic but has gained notoriety in recent times as a substance for psychedelic therapy. The discovery of such a large quantity in a smuggling operation underscores the evolving challenges that law enforcement face with new and emerging drug trends. The broader implications of this case highlight not only the security vulnerabilities at major airports but also the pressing need for comprehensive oversight and coordination among all agencies involved.