Qantas says more baggage handlers will be stood down

SYDNEY - Qantas says it will stand down more baggage handlers once the company has more information about their involvement in an alleged drug smuggling operation.

Police have so far arrested 15 people in connection with an alleged conspiracy to import millions of dollars worth of cocaine into Australia.

One Qantas baggage handler was yesterday sacked in connection with the allegations and The Daily Telegraph newspaper has reported a further 25 would go today.

Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon has denied staff would be stood down today but confirmed more people would lose their job as part of the investigation.

"We expect to stand more people down, but that will be when we're confident that we have the necessary information," Mr Dixon told ABC radio.

"We do know where all the people are that have alleged to have been involved in this and we've had them under scrutiny for the last six months."

He said it was unclear when others would face action.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents the baggage handlers, today called for the airline to immediately stand down any other worker involved in the alleged ring.

- AAP