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TSA finds loaded gun in carry-on luggage at Santa Barbara Airport

Firearm found in luggage SBA
Transportation Security Administration

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Transportation Security Administration Officers said they detected a loaded firearm in carry-on luggage at the Santa Barbara Airport Tuesday morning.

Santa Barbara police confiscated the .380 caliber Beretta Pico from a man who had a ticket to fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to a news release.

A TSA officer spotted the image of the gun during a routine screening of carry-on luggage.

The passenger was allowed to continue his flight.

“For those who are planning on traveling with a firearm, follow the rules or you will find it can be an inconvenient and costly mistake,” said TSA Federal Security Director for SBA Anita Minaei.

TSA said it will review the circumstances of the incident and levy a civil penalty against the passenger.

The recommended civil penalty for a firearm starts at $2,050 and can go up to more than $13,669 per violation. In addition, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheckTM expedited screening benefits revoked.

To date in 2020, TSA officers nationwide have discovered 2,159 firearms in carry-on luggage.

Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked.

Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.

Article Topic Follows: Crime & Courts

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Bryce Hanamoto

Bryce Hanamoto is a producer and digital journalist for NewsChannel 3-12. To learn more about Bryce, click here.

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