San Diego

TSA Agents Find Flashbang Grenade at San Diego International Airport

The explosive was among 85 weapons found in carry-ons at airports across the country

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the San Diego International Airport detected a live flashbang grenade inside a carry-on bag.

The explosive was reported Friday, in the TSA’s weekly blog. TSA stated flashbang grenades are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.

A flashbang grenade, also known as a stun grenade, is a non-lethal explosive that is used to disorient victims with a blinding light and a loud bang.

TSA also reported a total of 85 weapons detected in baggage across the country this week.

Among the weapons found were seven inert grenades. TSA said in its blog that agents treat anything resembling a grenade as live until they know for certain otherwise, which can lead to slower lines or even an airport evacuation.

TSA said anything resembling a grenade, real, inert or otherwise is not allowed in carry-ons or checked baggage.

Of the 85 weapons, 69 were firearms found in carry-ons. Fifty-eight of the firearms were loaded and 16 had rounds in the chambers, according to a statement from TSA.

TSA stated an individual with firearms detected at the security check points can be arrested and fined up to $11,000.

A statement from TSA recommends travelers check the local and state laws of each airport they expect to go through, since firearm laws may vary.

A list of the local and state laws can be found here.

Also among the weapons were five knives, two hatchets and one metal-tipped dart. Knives are allowed in checked baggage but not carry-ons, according to TSA. 

“Unfortunately, these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent,” according to the TSA blog, “which is why we talk about these finds. Sure, it’s great to share the things our officers are finding, but at the time, each time we find a dangerous item the line is slowed down and a passenger that (sic) likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested.”

Information on what is allowed inside carry on and checked baggage can be found on the TSA website.

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