Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working at the Shreveport International Airport (SHV) security checkpoint stopped a cache of weapons secreted inside a metal cane last week.
The cane contained a gutting knife, a double-edged blade, and a knife that could function as a small machete. Any of these could be used to incapacitate or kill. Each knife was screwed into part of the cane structure. The handle of the cane was also fashioned into the type of escape hammer that is used to smash glass.
“Our officers receive expert training on identifying threats that could be camouflaged as an everyday object or hidden inside a seemingly innocent belonging,” said TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz. “Our officers frequently find stun guns fashioned to appear like a cell phone, knives hidden in belt buckles, and knives hidden in the handles of combs and hairbrushes.”
One of those combs with a curved knife hidden inside it and a stun gun that was molded to look like a perfume spritzer were also recently intercepted by our officers at SHV.
“We commend our dedicated officers in Shreveport and across the country for their fastidious dedication as they carry out our mission to keep the traveling public safe,” Koshetz said.
TSA officers in Shreveport have also stopped three firearms that passengers brought to the checkpoint so far this year, which follows 17 that TSA intercepted locally last year.
The original announcement can be found here.