A routine baggage screening at an Indiana airport escalated into an explosives investigation after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered two live smoke grenades inside a passenger’s checked luggage, including one that had been hidden inside a jar of peanut butter.
The discovery occurred last week at Indianapolis International Airport after screening equipment identified an anomaly inside a checked suitcase before it was loaded onto an aircraft.
As officers worked to identify the source of the alarm, they determined the bag contained concealed live smoke grenades, prompting TSA supervisors, explosives specialists, airport police, and airline personnel to expand the security response while assessing whether the incident involved any additional threats.
Indiana TSA Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said the unusual method used to hide the devices immediately raised concerns, prompting officers to carefully locate the passenger before continuing their investigation.
“With the concealment method used, we had concern about the intentions and, as a result, quickly incorporated the airport police and airline station manager to ensure we approached the traveler in a cautious and safe manner,” Batt said.
During the inspection, officers located one smoke grenade but realized baggage imaging indicated a second device should also have been inside the suitcase.
After removing and rechecking every item, TSA explosives specialist Michael Dunphy found the missing grenade concealed inside a full jar of peanut butter.
“After all contents were removed from the bag, I thought, ‘Weren’t there two grenades in this bag?’” Dunphy said. “After additional inspection of all the contents in the bag, it became obvious the second grenade was in the peanut butter jar, so I was surprised!”
Airport police later confirmed both smoke grenades were live.
Officials said the incident did not disrupt airport operations, but it demonstrated the importance of thoroughly investigating alarms generated during checked baggage screening before luggage is cleared for transport.
According to TSA, the traveler later told officers that a friend had suggested placing the smoke grenades inside a jar of peanut butter as a way to get them through checked baggage screening.
Instead, the unusual packing method resulted in additional inspection and a broader security response before the passenger could continue traveling.
Batt credited both the airport’s screening technology and the actions of TSA officers for identifying the explosive devices before the luggage reached the aircraft.
“Our TSA officers see thousands of images daily with most instances resolved without deadly and dangerous items, but when that instance does occur, we need to be ready, and we demonstrated that vigilance and capability here,” he said.
Officials also warned that attempting to hide prohibited items generally leads to increased scrutiny because the way an item is packed can affect how officers evaluate potential threats.
Batt noted that even when there is no intent to cause harm, transporting explosive devices presents unnecessary risks if they were to activate during a flight.
“Imagine in this case had the pressurization caused the device to accidentally release smoke filling the cabin and aircraft while in flight,” Batt said.
The Indianapolis discovery was one of several unusual security incidents recently highlighted by TSA from airports around the country.
Other recent finds have included replica explosive devices, improperly declared firearms, ammunition in carry-on luggage, knives hidden in clothing and children’s car seats, suspected narcotics concealed in personal items, and live turtles hidden on passengers attempting to pass through security checkpoints, FOX 5 noted.
Travel industry analyst Gary Leff said unusual discoveries are inevitable given the millions of travelers who pass through airport checkpoints each day, but publicizing such incidents serves as a reminder for passengers to familiarize themselves with TSA regulations before arriving at the airport.
The Indianapolis incident underscores how an ordinary baggage alarm can quickly escalate into a coordinated security investigation when officers encounter evidence suggesting dangerous items may have been intentionally concealed.
Although airport operations continued without disruption, officials said the case illustrates why every alarm receives a full review before luggage is cleared for transport.
