Two United Airlines employees have been charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance, following claims the pair stole marijuana from passengers’ checked luggage. Joel Lamont Dunn and Adrian Webb, who are alleged to have overseen an operation involving other workers who were paid to steal the drugs, reportedly face possible prison sentences if found guilty. The Transportation Security Administration said it did not search for marijuana or illegal drugs, but that its officers would refer the matter to a law enforcement officer if illegal drugs were detected. Several US states have relaxed restrictions on cannabis use.
Why it matters: The case highlights the challenge for airlines as well as law enforcement and the TSA in deciding how to respond to the changing marijuana landscape.
What they are saying: Dunn and Webb face serious charges over the alleged theft of the drugs.
The big picture: As more US states have legalised cannabis, some airports have included designated areas for passengers to dispose of any marijuana they are carrying before they fly.
What to watch: Case law on this and other issues relating to cannabis use and disposal will be watched closely by airlines and airport authorities.
My take: Given the varying attitudes of different states to marijuana use, it will difficult for airport and airline authorities to establish a uniform approach to what has become a contentious issue.