by Donald Wood
Last updated: 5:03 PM ET, Thu February 22, 2018
Transportation Safety Administration security officers confiscated a single-week record number of firearms at airport checkpoints earlier this month.
According to the official TSA website, agents discovered 104 firearms in carry-on bags at airports across the United States from February 5-11. The previous single-week record of 96 firearms was set in July 2017.
Of the guns confiscated by TSA officers during the record-breaking week, 87 were loaded and 38 had a round in the chamber. While firearm possession laws vary by state and city, the TSA imposes civil penalties of up to $13,066 per violation, with repeat offenders receiving higher penalties.
In addition to the discovered guns earlier this month, agents found other prohibited items, including two one-pound canisters of gunpowder, a Civil War-era Parrott Shell, and a drilling perforation tool.
In addition to the aforementioned prohibited items, officers also discovered replica firearms, bb and pellet guns, brass knuckles, ammunition, batons, stun guns, pocket knives and more.
TSA officials share the details of the confiscation items in order to educate people and avoid any disruptions at security checkpoints. The agency is asking travelers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.
The official TSA website has provided details on how to properly travel with firearms and ammunition in checked baggage.
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