In an astonishing revelation, it has come to light that two United Airlines cargo agents operating at San Francisco International Airport devised an elaborate plan spanning several years to pilfer marijuana from passengers’ checked luggage.
The illegal operation allegedly yielded profits of up to $10,000 per week through the underground sale of the illicit substance.
The authorities have identified Joel Lamont Dunn as the mastermind behind this audacious ring, with Adrian Webb playing a crucial role as his trusted associate.
The criminal complaint, filed with the US District Court of Northern California on June 9, sheds light on the intricate details of the illicit activities.
The investigation was set in motion when an informant, who had inside knowledge of the marijuana theft conspiracy, collaborated with Dunn and Webb as a ramp cargo agent in 2020. According to the informant’s testimony, Dunn approached them with an offer to participate in stealing marijuana from checked baggage at San Francisco International Airport. For their involvement, the informant received a substantial payment of approximately $2,000 in cash per shift. The informant also mentioned that the amount would increase if larger quantities of marijuana were successfully stolen.
It remains unclear how such substantial amounts of marijuana managed to evade airport security and be transported through the airport undetected. The informant further divulged that Dunn assumed the role of the operation’s leader, while Webb served as his trusted right-hand man, issuing instructions in Dunn’s absence.
Both Dunn and Webb have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. However, they have been released on bail, with Dunn’s bail set at $75,000 and Webb’s at $50,000. As of now, no trial date has been scheduled for the case.
When Did The Investigation Start?
The investigation has been underway since 2021. The federal authorities first became aware of the pair’s illicit operations after they were reportedly robbed at gunpoint in the employee parking lot near their personal vehicles. Video surveillance footage captured Dunn, Webb, and other employees moving black trash bags out of the secure airport area, strongly indicating their involvement in the marijuana theft scheme. Curiously, neither Dunn nor Webb reported the robbery to the police, which raised suspicions among the investigating officials.
In October of the previous year, acting on a tip from their sources, federal investigators intercepted two individuals who were exiting the secure area of the airport with a cart carrying two large boxes and a sizable black plastic bag placed atop the boxes. Their destination was the G-side of the International Garage. Upon inspection, the investigators discovered a staggering 14 kilograms (equivalent to 30 pounds) of marijuana.
