A record 74 firearms were discovered last week in carry-on bags around the nation. Of the 74 firearms discovered, 65 were loaded and 18 had a round chambered. The previous record of 73 firearms was set last month (April 2016). All of the firearms pictured were discovered last week. See a complete list below.
Ninety-eight firearm primers and 45 black powder pellets were detected in a carry-on bag at Boise (BOI). These are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. In case you’re wondering what a primer is, it’s a component of ammunition that once struck, ignites the main propellant charge and fires the projectile.
Clockwise from the top, these items were discovered in carry-on bags at IAH, SAN, EWR, JFK, TPA, CHS and PVD
In addition to all of the other prohibited items we find weekly in carry-on bags, our officers also regularly find firearm components, realistic replica firearms, bb and pellet guns, airsoft guns, brass knuckles, ammunition, batons, stun guns, small pocketknives and many other prohibited items too numerous to note.
When packed properly, ammunition can be transported in your checked baggage, but it is never permissible to pack ammo in your carry-on bag.
You can travel with your firearms in checked baggage, but they must first be declared to the airline.
You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with your firearms.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.
Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds. Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested. The passenger can face a penalty as high as $11,000. This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home. Just because we find a prohibited item on an individual does not mean they had bad intentions; that’s for the law enforcement officer to decide. In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items.
