SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A live flashbang grenade and loaded firearm were discovered in carry-on bags in separate instances by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials this month, the agency said Friday.
TSA announced the discovery in a blog post on the agency's website saying, "A flashbang grenade is a non-lethal explosive device used to disorient. They are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags."
The flashbang grenade was found on Aug. 2, in the luggage of an Alaska Airline passenger when a TSA officer noticed a "canister device" in the passenger's bag, TSA spokesperson Nico Melendez said in a statement.
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"After further inspection, the [officer] also noticed a handle on the side of the canister. The supervisor responded and concurred that it was a possible hand grenade," the statement read. "...TSA explosives expert retrieved the bag from the x-ray tunnel and removed the flash bang grenade from the carry-on."
San Diego Harbor Police Department (HPD) took possession of the flashbang grenade and cited the passenger, according to Melendez.
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A loaded .380-caliber firearm was also discovered in a carry-on bag at Lindbergh Field last Sunday, Aug. 6, according to the TSA release. In all, 69 firearms were found in carry-on luggage at airports across the country since Aug. 1.
No further information was immediately available regarding Sunday's find.
Security agents from airports across the country report they have found a variety grenades and knives since the beginning of this month.
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Travelers bringing firearms to airport security checkpoints could face arrest and fines up to $11,000. TSA recommends that travelers familiarize themselves with any state and local firearm laws for points of travel prior to their departure.
"Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds," the blog post stated. "Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested."
