US arrests American Airlines workers on suspicion of drug smuggling at Puerto Rican airport

US targets drug smugglers at Puerto Rican airport

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Several employees of American Airlines are among those under arrest in a U.S. raid targeting a drug-smuggling ring based out of Puerto Rico’s largest airport.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Waldo Santiago says at least 20 people have been arrested in connection with a drug ring that smuggled narcotics to the United States mainland.

American Airlines spokeswoman Minette Velez confirmed that airline employees were among those arrested Tuesday. She said the company is working closely with law enforcement authorities to aid the investigation. The exact number of employees was not disclosed.

Authorities say they have a total of 23 arrest warrants for people in cities across the U.S. Caribbean territory as well as Miami.