There’s no telling what people are rolling around in their suitcases: grenades stuffed into shoes, throwing stars tucked between underwear, narcotics disguised as holiday gifts.
The Transportation Security Administration has uncovered some bizarre items hidden in luggage—most recently, a missile launcher.
TSA officers on Monday alerted police at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport after spotting the weapon in a man’s checked bag.
The unnamed passenger from Jacksonville, Texas told officials he is an active military personnel traveling home from Kuwait, “and he wanted to keep the missile launcher as a souvenir.”
Fortunately, the item was not live and posed no immediate danger.
Still, the TSA would like to remind folks that military weapons are not permitted in checked or carry-on bags.
Based on a photo published by the security agency, the “keepsake” is a Griffin missile system component made by Raytheon; it’s described as an “air- and ground-launched, precise, low-collateral-damage weapon for irregular warfare operations.”
The device was confiscated and handed over to the Maryland State Fire Marshal for safe disposal.
The man, meanwhile, was discharged in time to catch his flight.
Raytheon did not immediately respond to Geek’s request for comment.
Still unsure what you’re allowed to pack in carry-on and checked baggage? See the TSA’s extensive list in full online.
More on Geek.com:
- TSA Will Now Use Floppy-Eared Dogs for Airport Security
- Hackers Stole Traveler Photos From U.S. Border Patrol
- Guy Busted With Nearly 5,000 Live Leeches in Luggage
