Live smoke grenade: Photo: TSA Security officers at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted two live smoke grenades in a passenger’s checked baggage at Indianapolis International Airport, including one device that had been concealed inside a jar of peanut butter.
According to TSA, the discovery was made during routine screening last week when officers identified suspicious items inside a checked suitcase. Upon closer inspection, they found two live smoke grenades among the passenger’s belongings. One of the devices had been hidden inside a food container in an apparent attempt to conceal it.
Photo: TSA“After all contents were removed from the bag, I thought, ‘Weren’t there two grenades in this bag?’” said Michael Dunphy, TSA explosives specialist of 18 years commented. “After additional inspection of all the contents in the bag, it became obvious the second grenade was in the peanut butter jar, so I was surprised!”, Dunphy, who spent more than two decades in the U.S. Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal tech further added.
Indianapolis Airport Authority Police confirmed that the two smoke grenades were live, but did not impact airport operations "because of TSA’s quick work."
"With the concealment method used, we had concern about the intentions and, as a result, quickly incorporated the airport police and airline station manager to ensure we approached the traveler in a cautious and safe manner,” explained Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt. “The technology in place for checked baggage performed well and gave our officers a chance to review an image that resulted in the need for physical inspection of the targeted area highlighted by the equipment.”
The passenger explained that a friend told him he would be able to smoke the grenades through checked baggage screening by introducing them in a peanut butter jar.
Smoke grenades are classified as hazardous materials and are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights. Aviation security regulations in the United States ban passengers from transporting explosive or incendiary devices due to the significant safety risks they pose.
TSA continues to remind travelers to carefully review what they pack before heading to the airport, particularly when it comes to restricted or potentially dangerous items. Officials also encourage passengers to check the agency’s published guidelines in advance to avoid delays, fines, or potential law enforcement involvement.
Airport security screening procedures are designed to detect a wide range of prohibited items, including explosives, flammable materials, and other hazardous substances. In this case, the screening technology and follow-up inspection were credited with quickly identifying the concealed devices.