Airport Security Foils Traveler's Alleged Nutty Live Grenade Scheme

A case at Indianapolis International Airport shows how airport screening can stop alleged explosive smuggling attempts. According to a TSA release dated June 25, TSA officers pulled a checked bag for additional screening after it set off an alarm, and during the search they found two live smoke grenades. One device was reportedly wedged inside a full jar of peanut butter. Supervisory and explosives specialist personnel searched the luggage, and Indianapolis Airport Authority Police confirmed the grenades were live and questioned the passenger. The TSA release says officers paged him back to his airline ticket counter, and airport operations were not disrupted. The passenger told officers a friend tipped him off that hiding the grenades in peanut butter would bypass checked-baggage screening. TSA noted smoke grenades are barred in both checked and carry-on luggage due to cabin pressure changes; no charges were announced.