Delta Worker Gun Smuggling Ring Moved Weapons Via Flights

A Delta Airlines worker in Atlanta is among four people accused in a federal indictment of gun smuggling, with the airline employee charged with using his job as a baggage handler to help get more than 120 weapons through security. Another suspect is a former Delta employee.

Authorities claim Delta baggage handler Eugene Harvey bypassed security at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, to make the smuggling scheme work, according to WSB-TV.

The federal complaint also said a former Delta employee used what was called a "buddy pass" to fly to Atlanta as part of the alleged operation. WXIA-TV identified the former employee as Mark Henry.

An affidavit stated a flight from Atlanta to New York on Dec. 10 was targeted by investigators. Some 18 guns bypassed security and ended up in carry-on baggage for that flight, noted WSB-TV.

In all, the federal complaint said undercover federal agents were given 129 guns, which included an AK47 and an AR15.

ABC News reported that Henry was on the Dec. 10 flight and his cell phone use helped identify Harvey, who worked at the Baggage Transfer Room in Concourse B at the Atlanta airport. Harvey allegedly got the guns through security for Henry at various times, according to court documents.

WXIA-TV reported that Harvey and Henry were being charged by federal authorities with trafficking, aiding and abetting, criminal sale of firearms and criminal possession.

Officials told ABC News that two other men, whose identities have not yet been released, have been charged in Brooklyn in connection with the gun running incident.

The Brooklyn district attorney's office declined to comment on the case.

Some passengers told WGCL-TV they were surprised by the gun smuggling allegations with all the current airport security.

"It's very surprising," said Wesley Houser, a Delta flyer traveling from Atlanta to Chicago on Monday. "I would expect them to not let illegal guns into bags. That's kind of crazy."

"Delta is cooperating with authorities in this investigation" the airline said in a statement to WSB-TV. "We take seriously any activity that fails to uphold our strict commitment to the safety and security of our customers and employees."


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