TSA Uncovers Spent Smoke Grenade Hidden in Passenger’s Carry-On

Clear Facts

• TSA officers at Watertown International Airport in upstate New York discovered a spent M18 smoke grenade concealed inside an aerosol container during a routine security screening.
• Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam confirmed the item after an X-ray scan raised suspicion, prompting a closer inspection of the passenger’s bag.
• Officials emphasized that even inert explosive devices are prohibited and can trigger delays or law enforcement involvement.

Transportation Security Administration officers at a small regional airport in upstate New York found a spent M18 smoke grenade during a standard screening process. The item had been hidden inside an aerosol container placed in a passenger’s carry-on bag. The discovery occurred at Watertown International Airport and was detailed in a September 24 agency release.

TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez was operating the X-ray machine when she noticed something unusual about the container. She immediately called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam for a second opinion.

“I didn’t like how the item appeared,” said Alvarez.

“I called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam and told her I did not have a good feeling about it,” said Alvarez.

“I was very stunned when I saw the item on the screen,” said Alvarez.

“I saw from the image that the top of the can didn’t look right but appeared to be empty,” said Graffam.

“It was located in the side pocket of the bag, so I opened it and saw it was an M18 smoke grenade,” said Graffam.

The passenger claimed he had simply forgotten the grenade was in his bag. Graffam found the explanation odd given how few items were actually inside the luggage. Acting supervisor Debra Alcock contacted the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center and an explosives expert, who confirmed the grenade was spent and inert.

Federal Security Director Brian Bushnell reminded travelers that even spent or replica explosive devices are not permitted through checkpoints. He urged passengers to double-check their bags and consult TSA resources before packing.

“Spent, inert or replica explosive items are not allowed through the checkpoint and can cause delays, disrupt operations and prompt a law enforcement response,” said Bushnell.

“When in doubt, travelers should leave the item at home or check TSA’s resources, such as TSA.gov, before packing,” said Bushnell.

Alcock described the incident as one of the more memorable finds during her time with the agency. She praised the teamwork that kept the checkpoint running smoothly while the situation was resolved.

“The teamwork in resolving this issue was excellent,” said Alcock.

“Everyone did their part to help control the checkpoint while we resolved the situation,” said Alcock.

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