Smoke Grenade Found in Passenger’s Bag at Watertown Airport

A routine security check at Watertown International Airport in New York revealed an unexpected find. TSA officers discovered a spent smoke grenade hidden within an aerosol container in a carry-on bag. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided this information in a release dated September 24.

The officers identified the spent M18 smoke grenade during a baggage inspection. TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez, who was controlling the X-ray machine, expressed concern over the appearance of the item inside the aerosol container. She consulted Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam, highlighting her discomfort with the item’s look.

TSA officers, including Alvarez, Graffam, and Debra Alcock, worked to secure the checkpoint. The image of the item on the screen alarmed Alvarez as she had seen similar items during training exercises. Graffam, upon reviewing the X-ray, noticed something off about the canister’s top. She opened the side pocket of the bag to find the smoke grenade.

Officials worked together to ensure the checkpoint was secure.

The passenger claimed to have forgotten about the grenade in the bag, which contained only a few items. Lead TSA Officer Debra Alcock, acting as supervisor, alerted the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center and consulted a TSA explosives expert. The expert confirmed that the grenade was not live. Alcock noted the incident as one of the most notable during her tenure with the agency.

Brian Bushnell, TSA’s federal security director for upstate New York, emphasized the importance of travelers checking their bags before departure. The TSA warns that spent, inert, or replica explosives can lead to delays, operational disruptions, and law enforcement involvement. Bushnell advises travelers to leave such items at home and check TSA resources when uncertain.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), even spent grenades can pose risks. They have issued public safety alerts, particularly against vintage grenades.

The TSA continues to encounter unusual items. At Tampa International Airport, Officer Andrew Carter examined a suspicious flashlight and discovered a 4-inch double-edged knife inside. The flashlight had a baseball bat shape, which concealed the knife. This incident is a reminder not to ‘test the system,’ according to Keith Jeffries of the K2 Security Screening Group.