"Pearson security inspector arrested on weapons charges"

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Pearson security inspector arrested on weapons charges
Canada - The Toronto Star


OTTAWA - A Transport Canada security inspector at Pearson International
Airport has been suspended and is facing criminal charges after prohibited
weapons were imported from the United States.

Detectives made the arrest at Transport Canada's Toronto centre, at the
airport.

"He had in his possession several prohibited weapons which had been imported
into Canada improperly. He misrepresented himself in order to procure these
weapons from the United States," said Const. Samantha Nulle, of Peel Region
police.

The weapons involved included flick knives and daggers, she said.

"It's believed that he was acting on his own and at no time was there a
breach of security," Nulle said.

Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon announced the arrest this week in the
Commons and used the incident to tout the department's vigilance.

"This is an ongoing example of how as a government we are much more vigilant
today in terms of our safety and security," Cannon said.

Transport Canada spokesperson Paula Fairfax said the incident occurred
within the department's own facilities and not the airport. The agency has
launched an internal probe of the incident, and senior managers will
determine what action to take, she said.

Sam Garito, 35, of Markham was arrested May 3. He has been charged with two
counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, importing a prohibited weapon,
careless storage of ammunition and false pretences. 

He's been suspended from the department without pay.

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