The management of Air Sénégal has suspended all stewards and flight attendants on the Dakar-Paris-Dakar route pending the outcome of an Interpol investigation. The probe is focused on suspected smuggling activities involving certain commercial flying personnel. According to reports, the suspects allegedly transported packages and oversized luggage, including car parts, for a French-registered company in exchange for payment.
An incident involving a pot of milk containing hard drugs has particularly drawn the attention of investigators. A flight attendant was reportedly asked to transport the container on a flight from Paris, and upon opening it, discovered the suspicious substance. The attendant then communicated the contact number of the person who delivered the package to the authorities, but the individual has since become unreachable.
The smuggling business appears to be lucrative, with some suspects found to have various businesses, including car part shops, hair salons, and clothing stores. They allegedly work with companies in GP. This is not the first time such practices have been reported on Air Sénégal flights, with previous incidents involving flight attendants smuggling goods from New York.
In a previous case under the former management of Air Sénégal, thirteen flight attendants were involved in a smuggling scandal. However, the measures taken against them were deemed lenient. The current CEO, Tidiane Ndiaye, had previously revoked the flying privileges of the involved attendants for a year but allowed them to return to work, which coincided with the resumption of smuggling activities.
The management of Air Sénégal has expressed regret over their decision to reinstate the flight attendants, stating that it was an error. They are now awaiting the conclusion of the investigation and promise that any disciplinary actions taken against those found guilty will be severe.
The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures on Air Sénégal flights. The airline's management has assured that they will cooperate fully with the investigation and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
The suspension of the flight attendants has not affected the airline's operations, with flights continuing to operate as scheduled. The incident is under investigation, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
Key points
- All Air Sénégal flight attendants on the Paris-Dakar route have been suspended amid an Interpol investigation into alleged smuggling activities.
- The smuggling business appears to be lucrative, with suspects found to have various businesses.
- This is not the first time such practices have been reported on Air Sénégal flights.
