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TSA Finds Live Smoke Grenades Hidden in Peanut Butter at Indianapolis Airport

Baggage imaging with a coordinated TSA response kept the devices off a plane, showing how concealment of banned items can create real safety hazards.

Overview

  • TSA officers recovered two live smoke grenades from a checked bag at Indianapolis International Airport after imaging equipment flagged suspicious contents, and one grenade was concealed inside a full jar of peanut butter.
  • A supervisory officer and an explosives specialist inspected the bag and then summoned the passenger to the ticket counter, where the traveler said a friend had suggested hiding the grenades in the jar.
  • Airport police and airline staff were brought in as a safety precaution, and officials said the quick, coordinated response prevented any disruption to airport operations.
  • TSA warned that concealment raises the severity of consequences and noted the safety risk that cabin pressurization could cause a smoke device to release inside an aircraft; the agency has not publicly announced any charges or penalties in the case.
  • The incident highlights a quirk of travel rules: peanut butter is allowed in checked luggage but is restricted in carry-ons under liquid/gel limits, and TSA has used recent publicity to remind travelers about such rules.