Two security screeners at San Francisco International Airport are in federal law enforcement custody after they allegedly accepted bribes in a drug smuggling scheme.
Claudio Rene Sunux, 30, and Amanda Lopez, 27, were the two security screeners accused of coordinating the plot with 28-year-old Anibal Giovanni Ramirez. Their communication was conducted, at least in part, through Facebook messages, which are quoted in court documents filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, KPIX reported.
A U.S. Attorney's office said Sunux and Lopez both worked as contractors for the Transportation Security Administration.
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 27: A TSA agent watches an xray monitor while screening luggage at a special TSA Pre-check lane at Terminal C of the LaGuardia Airport on January 27, 2014 in New York City. Once approved for the program, travelers can use special expidited Precheck security lanes. They can also leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, as well as keep their laptop and small containers of liquids inside carry-on luggage during security screening. The TSA plans to open more than 300 application centers across the country. John Moore/Getty Images
Undercover FBI agents busted the plot September 17 after providing Ramirez with two pieces of luggage containing 20 pounds of methylsulfonylmethane and 68.5 grams of pure meth. According to KPIX, Lopez allegedly overlooked the smuggled packages of drugs as they were exchanged for money. Sunux is believed to have coordinated the effort.
All three suspects have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute meth, a penalty that could carry up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
In addition, Sunux and Lopez have been charged with agreeing to receive a bribe. Ramirez has been charged with offering to bribe a public official, offenses that could carry an additional 15 years in prison.
Sunux and Lopez are scheduled to appear in federal court in San Francisco Monday while Ramirez is expected to appear Wednesday.
The FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, the TSA’s Office of Inspection, Oakland Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force are all involved in the investigation.
The FBI did not immediately respond to the TheBlaze when asked to comment.
(H/T: KPIX)
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