82 fireworks, 3 knives, 2 replica firearms and a pepper spray canister found in a single carry-on bag at LAX, officials say

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — On Sunday, an alarming discovery was made at LAX amid the busy holiday travel season that “surprised even the most senior and experienced TSA officer,” according to the Transportation Security Administration.

According to the agency, 82 consumer fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and a canister of pepper spray were found in a single carry-on bag.

The items were found in Terminal 4 around 10 p.m. when a TSA officer saw the items on the X-ray.

According to TSA, the bag belonged to a woman who was on her way to Philadelphia. Los Angeles World Airport police responded and interviewed the woman, but no further information was released.

“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single piece of carry-on baggage is extremely concerning,” said Jason Pantages, TSA federal security director at LAX. “This traveler should have followed TSA’s tried-and-true advice: Unpack your bag before packing it to ensure you do not bring prohibited items with you to security. We are in the middle of the holiday travel season when security checkpoints will be busy.” This incident should serve as a reminder to travelers everywhere to double-check the contents of their luggage before coming to the airport.

The agency’s explosives squad confiscated the fireworks.

The TSA reminded travelers that fireworks are never allowed onboard an aircraft in carry-on or checked baggage.

The agency said knives and replica firearms should be placed in checked luggage.

A 4-ounce container of pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage as long as it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental release. However, as some airlines do not allow the use of pepper spray, travelers are strongly advised to contact the relevant airline.