A routine X-ray screening at Calgary International Airport last Tuesday led to the arrest of a man carrying 15.5 kilograms of crystal meth with investigators believing he was ultimately headed to New Zealand.
At approximately 9:35 a.m. on March 17, 2026, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) officers flagged a checked bag during screening and requested assistance from Calgary Police. Inside the bag were three large individually wrapped packages containing a crystal-like substance later believed to be crystal meth. The total weight came in at 15.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of $780,000.
Working with airport staff, officers tracked the luggage to its destination gate and located the suspect who had already boarded a Vancouver-bound aircraft. He was arrested without incident.
Investigators believe the Vancouver flight was only the first leg of the journey. The suspect is believed to have planned to continue on connecting flights to New Zealand.
Lloyd Tei Mataafa, 38, has been charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession for the purpose of exporting other drugs. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Calgary Police thanked CATSA and Calgary International Airport staff for their role in flagging the bag and assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information related to this case can contact Calgary Police at 403-266-1234 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at calgarycrimestoppers.org, or through the P3 Tips app.
Sources:
https://newsroom.calgary.ca/man-charged-following-seizure-of-155-kilograms-of-drugs-at-airport/
