A traveler was detained at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on December 15 after TSA agents discovered a large number of prohibited items in her carry-on luggage, CNN reports.
The woman’s bag was flagged for inspection when a screener noticed suspicious objects on the X-ray machine. Upon further inspection, the TSA found 82 consumer-grade fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms, and a canister of pepper spray.
The discovery raised significant concerns. Jason Pantages, Federal Security Director at LAX TSA, described the sheer volume of prohibited items as troubling, noting that “the sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning.” He urged travelers to thoroughly check their bags before heading to the airport.
Fireworks, even those classified as consumer-grade, are strictly prohibited in both checked and carry-on luggage due to safety concerns. The fireworks found in the woman’s bag were less explosive than those used in professional shows, but they still presented a significant risk in an airport setting. In addition to the fireworks, knives, replica firearms, and small amounts of pepper spray are also regulated. Knives and replica firearms are only allowed in checked baggage for domestic flights.
The woman, who was en route to Philadelphia, was interviewed by law enforcement while the LAX bomb squad confiscated the fireworks. This incident is part of a series of recent contraband-related discoveries at LAX. Earlier in November, a passenger tried to check a cow onesie soaked in methamphetamine, leading to a seizure by customs officers. Another passenger, attempting to fly to Sydney, was arrested after 70 pounds of methamphetamine-soaked clothing were found in his suitcases during the Thanksgiving weekend.
As holiday travel continues to pick up, the TSA reports that over 2.6 million people passed through airport security on December 15, a slight increase from the same date last year.
