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TSA officers recently made an unexpected find inside a passenger’s checked bag after an Xbox triggered an alarm.
The unusual discovery was announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The incident occurred this month as a passenger was moving through the TSA line at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City when an alarm went off.
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“The bag alarmed on an Xbox gaming system, and TSA Officer Ashley Leo, who was manning the on-screen resolution area, diverted the bag to the checked baggage resolution area, where Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) Christopher Ramos was stationed,” the TSA said in a statement.
It’s what Ramos found beside the Xbox that stood out.
The incident took place at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, pictured above, where TSA officers screen passengers and baggage. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
As he searched through the bag, he discovered “a plastic bag containing several fake IDs next to the Xbox that prompted the alarm,” per the TSA.
“I noticed various driver’s licenses with different dates of birth and different class types, but all with the same photograph,” Ramos said in a statement.
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“I was focused on following our screening procedures and paying close attention to anything that appeared unusual.”
He added, “When I discovered the fraudulent IDs, I knew it was important to report the situation through the proper channels.”
A passenger was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after TSA officers discovered multiple fake IDs while screening a checked bag. (TSA)
After involving TSA management, airport officials and Port Authority police, authorities confirmed the IDs were fraudulent and arrested the passenger moments before he was scheduled to board his flight.
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“STSO Christopher Ramos’ strict adherence to standard operating procedures, diligence and situational awareness prevented the fraudulent IDs from entering the airport’s secure area,” TSA LGA Federal Security Director John Essig said in a statement.
While searching the bag, an officer (not pictured) discovered several fake IDs in a plastic bag next to the Xbox that had triggered the alarm, according to the TSA. (Aaron Schwartz/AFP via Getty Images; Getty Images)
“Identifying fraudulent IDs is an important part of TSA’s layered security approach. It helps ensure that people entering secure areas of the airport are who they claim to be and supports the safety of the traveling public.”
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Digital reached out to TSA for further comment and details.
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The incident comes amid a string of unusual discoveries by TSA officers at airports across the country.
TSA officers at LaGuardia Airport, which is pictured above, discovered several fraudulent IDs after an Xbox gaming system triggered an alarm inside a passenger’s checked bag. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
In Texas, TSA officers at Dallas Love Field Airport recently discovered a pocketknife concealed inside a tube of toothpaste during routine carry-on screening.
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Also, recently, TSA officers at Tampa International Airport in Florida discovered a 4-inch, double-edged knife concealed inside a baseball bat-shaped flashlight.
Kelly McGreal of Digital contributed reporting.
