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TSA officers found a spent M18 smoke grenade concealed inside an aerosol container in a passenger’s carry-on at Watertown International Airport in upstate New York. A TSA explosives expert confirmed the grenade was not live, according to a Fox News report citing a TSA release dated September 24, 2026. TSA says spent, inert and replica explosive items are still prohibited at airport checkpoints.
What TSA officers found at Watertown International Airport
According to Fox News, TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez noticed an unusual image while monitoring the checkpoint X-ray machine. “I called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam and told her I did not have a good feeling about it,” Alvarez said, as quoted in the report.
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Graffam said the top of the aerosol container looked unusual, although the container seemed empty. She checked a side pocket in the passenger’s bag and found an M18 smoke grenade inside. “It was located in the side pocket of the bag, so I opened it and saw it was an M18 smoke grenade,” she said.
How TSA assessed the grenade
Lead TSA Officer Debra Alcock, acting as supervisor, contacted the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center and a TSA explosives expert. The expert confirmed the grenade was not live, Fox News reported. The passenger reportedly said he had forgotten the item was in his bag.
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The report does not identify the passenger or say whether he was charged or what, if any, final enforcement action followed. It therefore does not establish a criminal penalty or disposition.
Can you bring a spent smoke grenade on a plane?
No—not through a TSA checkpoint, according to Brian Bushnell, the agency’s federal security director for upstate New York airports. Fox News quoted him as saying: “Spent, inert or replica explosive items are not allowed through the checkpoint and can cause delays, disrupt operations and prompt a law enforcement response.” The fact that this grenade was confirmed not live did not make it permissible to carry through security.
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Bushnell advised travelers: “When in doubt, travelers should leave the item at home or check TSA’s resources, such as TSA.gov, before packing.” Travelers should consult TSA.gov for current guidance rather than assume an item is allowed because it is spent, inert or a replica.
Why the incident matters to travelers
The discovery illustrates how an unusual X-ray image can lead officers to inspect a bag and seek specialist expertise. TSA says prohibited explosive items may cause delays, disrupt operations or prompt a law-enforcement response; that guidance describes possible consequences, not a specific outcome in this passenger’s case.
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Fox News also described a separate case at Tampa International Airport involving a four-inch, double-edged knife concealed inside a baseball-bat-shaped flashlight. That was a different airport and a different incident; it was not part of the Watertown screening.
Quick Recap
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- Easy to Maneuver : Silent Dual Spinner wheels rotate 360°, providing superior maneuverability and a smooth glide in every direction. Thanks to the smooth-rolling wheels of suitcase, even when fully loaded, it's a breeze to maneuver through crowded airports and busy streets without feeling fatigued or strained.
- TSA Lock and Alloy Zipper ：The Built-in TSA lock does not have to be forced open and damaged during inspection. It ensures the safety of your valuables and facilitates your passage through security. The alloy zippers allow travelers to effortlessly open and close their luggage, which adds a safety and convenience to the entire trip.
- Magic Large Space : Interior zippered divider panels keep contents separated and secure. One compartment of this carry on luggage with cross straps to keep your things in place and one fully enclosed with a zippered panel, mesh bags and dry&wet separation bag for easy organization,and the travel bag has multiple functional pockets to meet different travel needs.
- Hardshell Suitcase : This Carry on luggage set is crafted from Polycarbonate (PC) exterior offers extreme durability with a texture that reduces the visibility of scratches. Details such as the ergonomic 3-level retractable easy-grip top handle, and the double soft rubber carry handles bring maximum comfort and an easy carrying experience.
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