TSA discovers shocking device inside cane during routine X-ray screening at BOI

BOISE, Idaho – Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Boise Airport discovered a stun gun artfully concealed as a part of a cane during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint Tuesday morning. 

Around 9:40 a.m., a TSA officer noticed on the X-ray image what appeared to be a cane that had been tampered with. The TSA officer requested a search of the traveler’s bag.

The bag search resulted in the discovery of a stun gun integrated into the cane near the removable handle.

“The discovery of this shocking device perfectly illustrates why TSA screens all personal property and travelers for potential security threats every time,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho James Spies. “I am grateful to the TSA officer who noticed something was amiss with the cane, acted on their instincts and ultimately kept this item from making it into the cabin of the aircraft.”    

The traveler told TSA that they purchased the cane in California for self-defense reasons since they were unable to find a cane sword for purchase. A cane sword is a cane that has a hidden blade or cane inside the shaft.

The traveler voluntarily abandoned the item to TSA before continuing on their travels. There was no impact to security or airport operations. 

According to TSA’s “What can I bring? tool, tasers, stun guns, and electro-shock weapons should always travel in checked baggage. They must be transported in a manner that makes the device inoperable from accidental discharge.