A Transportation Security Administration officer flagged a woman’s bag during routine X-ray screening at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday after spotting what appeared to be several prohibited items, officials said.
When the officer opened the bag in front of the passenger, they were stunned to find 82 fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms, and a canister of pepper spray — none of which are allowed in carry-on luggage.
While TSA officers often encounter unusual items in passenger luggage, officials stated in a news release that this discovery shocked even the most seasoned personnel.
“The sheer volume of prohibited items found in a single carry-on bag is extremely alarming,” LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages said. “Let this incident remind all travelers to thoroughly check their bags before heading to the airport.”
The TSA officer alerted Los Angeles World Airports police, who arrived at the Terminal 4 security checkpoint to interview the passenger. The airport’s bomb squad also responded and confiscated the explosives.
The TSA reiterated that fireworks and other explosives are strictly prohibited on airplanes, while replica firearms and knives are allowed only in checked baggage.
