Transportation Security Administration officers at Watertown International Airport in upstate New York discovered a spent M18 smoke grenade concealed inside an aerosol container in a passenger's carry-on bag. The agency confirmed the discovery in a release dated Sept. 24, describing the incident as a rare find for the small regional airport.
TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez, who was operating the X-ray machine during the screening, noted that the aerosol container appeared unusual on the screen. She stated that she "didn't like how the item appeared" and called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam. Alvarez added that she had seen similar items in training scenarios but was "very stunned" to see the object on the display.
Graffam examined the X-ray image and observed that the top of the can did not look right and appeared empty. Upon opening the side pocket of the bag where the item was located, she identified the object as an M18 smoke grenade. Graffam noted that such items are particularly unusual for Watertown International Airport, where officers typically encounter prohibited items like knives and oversized liquids.
When asked about the presence of the grenade, the passenger told officers he had forgotten it was in his bag. Graffam found this explanation strange given that the bag contained only a few other items. Lead TSA Officer Debra Alcock, serving as acting supervisor, then notified the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center. A TSA explosives expert subsequently confirmed that the grenade was not live.
Alcock described the teamwork in resolving the issue as excellent, noting that staff worked to control the checkpoint while the situation was managed. Brian Bushnell, TSA's federal security director for upstate New York's airports, used the incident to remind travelers to inspect their luggage before leaving home. He emphasized that spent, inert, or replica explosive items are prohibited through security checkpoints and can cause operational delays and prompt law enforcement responses.
Although many individuals believe spent grenades are not hazardous, officials warn they can still pose risks. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has issued public safety alerts specifically regarding vintage grenades. In a separate recent incident at Tampa International Airport, TSA Officer Andrew Carter discovered a 4-inch double-edged knife hidden inside a baseball bat-shaped flashlight in a passenger's carry-on bag.