TSA Finds a Pocketknife Hidden Inside a Tube of Toothpaste at Dallas Airport
A tube of toothpaste drew more attention than usual at Dallas Love Field Airport recently. TSA officers found a pocketknife hidden inside after something caught their attention on the X-ray.
TSA Officer Jazmine Kramer was screening a carry-on bag when she noticed what looked like a metal object near some toiletries. She sent the bag over for a closer look.
At first, Security Training Instructor Wade Brown Jr. couldn’t find what Kramer had seen. He put the items through the X-ray again, then went back to the toothpaste tube.
There was tape near one end, and the tube didn’t feel right. When Brown took a closer look, he found the pocketknife hidden inside.
The Knife Wasn’t Easy To Find
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TSA said Kramer first spotted the metal object while watching the bag go through the X-ray. Brown searched through the toiletry bag but couldn’t find it right away.
That meant another trip through the machine. The second look helped Brown narrow down where the object was hiding.
He picked up the toothpaste tube and noticed something was off. TSA said there was tape near one end, and the pocketknife was inside. Brown said he had never seen someone hide an item inside something else like that at Dallas Love Field. The passengers’ explanation surprised him too.
Their Son Gave Them The Idea
The carry-on belonged to a married couple. TSA says they told officers their son had suggested putting the knife inside the toothpaste tube so it could get through security.
Brown said he was “super surprised” when both passengers gave that explanation. The couple voluntarily gave up the pocketknife and was allowed to continue to the flight.
Kramer said prohibited items are usually found because someone forgot they were packed, but oddly enough, the passengers admitted to TSA the knife had been intentionally hidden.
Pocketknives Have To Go In Checked Bags
A pocketknife can travel on a plane, just not in your carry-on. TSA’s current rules say pocketknives can be packed in checked luggage.
Sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or wrapped so they don’t hurt baggage handlers or inspectors. Pocketknives are listed as a no for carry-on bags.
