A passenger’s carry-on bag at Los Angeles International Airport contained 82 fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and a can of pepper spray, federal officials reported.
Transportation Security Administration agents discovered the contraband during an X-ray scan of carry-on luggage at the busy airport Dec. 15, officials said in a Dec. 20 news release.
When agents opened the luggage, they were “shocked” at the contents, officials said.
The bag belonged to a passenger with a ticket to Philadelphia, officials said.
She was questioned, but agents did not say whether she was detained or charged.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages said in the release.
Replica firearms and knives should travel in checked baggage, officials said. Fireworks are never allowed on planes in carry-on or checked baggage.
A 4-ounce can of pepper spray with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge is allowed in checked baggage, officials said, although some airlines prohibit all pepper spray.
“Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport,” Pantages said in the release.
In 2022, around 66 million travelers passed through Los Angeles International Airport.
