Airport Security in Indianapolis Stops Traveler’s Reported Plan Involving a Live Grenade

Traveler at Indianapolis Airport Tries to Smuggle Smoke Bombs

A passenger at Indianapolis International Airport allegedly attempted to sneak two live smoke bombs through security, hiding one inside a peanut butter jar.

Officials from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) flagged the checked baggage for additional screening after an alarm was triggered. According to a TSA release from June 25th, supervisors and explosives experts examined the bag and found the devices, including one tucked away in a jar of peanut butter. Michael Dunphy, an explosives expert who has 18 years of experience with the TSA and previously served in Navy explosive ordnance disposal, recounted that after unpacking the bag, he wondered aloud, “Maybe there were two grenades in this bag?”

Law enforcement from the Indianapolis Airport Authority confirmed that the grenade was indeed live and subsequently questioned the passenger, as reported by WRTV. Officers called him back to the airline’s ticket counter, although the incident did not disrupt airport operations.

The TSA stated that the passenger claimed a friend had advised him to conceal the grenade in peanut butter to pass through security.

Charges have yet to be disclosed, as noted by Scripps News. The TSA also refrained from sharing the motive behind carrying the smoke grenade.

U.S. Marshals Service Director Aaron Butt cautioned that hiding prohibited items often leads to stricter penalties. Authorities are currently prohibiting smoke grenades in both checked and carry-on luggage, citing the risk of ignition due to cabin pressure changes during flight. He remarked, “While you may not intend for something to happen, carrying prohibited items always has the potential to unintentionally cause harm.” He added that it could be quite troubling if the device accidentally released smoke during a flight, affecting everyone aboard.