TSA Finds Spent M18 Smoke Grenade in Carry-on at Watertown Airport
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 3
TSA Finds Spent M18 Smoke Grenade in Carry-on at Watertown Airport
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 3
Summary
TSA officers at Watertown International Airport found a spent M18 smoke grenade hidden inside an aerosol container in a passenger’s carry-on during routine screening, according to a Sept. 24 agency release.
X-ray officer Yessenia Alvarez flagged the item after the container looked unusual, and Lead Officer Melissa Graffam opened the bag’s side pocket and identified the grenade.
A TSA explosives expert, alerted through the Syracuse coordination center, confirmed the grenade was not live after officers secured the checkpoint and managed the disruption.
The passenger said he had forgotten the grenade was in the bag, but TSA said spent, inert and replica explosive items are still banned because they can trigger delays and law-enforcement responses.
The find stood out at the small upstate New York airport, where officers more often intercept knives and oversized liquids, and TSA urged travelers to check bags before leaving home.