A Transportation Security Administration officer at a California airport said Monday that he found a knife with an over eight-inch long blade concealed in an enchilada that was tucked inside a female passenger's carry-on bag.
The discovered weapon at Sonoma Airport, about 60 miles north of San Francisco, was a gross violation of Federal Aviation weapons laws.
The discovery was made at the screening station that serves Alaska Airlines.
>>TSA Photos: Firearms, weapons confiscated at nation's airports
"This item turned out to be an eight-and-a-half inch knife that was inside of a wrapped enchilada," explained TSA spokesman Nico Melendez during a phone interview. " The woman said she had made the enchilada over the weekend and she really didn't know how the knife got into the bag."
The woman was turned over to Sheriff's Deputies, who questioned her and eventually decided she could be cleared for travel.
However, the TSA could assess heavy penalties if it decides to pursue a fine.
Fines for artfully concealed items could range up to $10,000 but it's usually negotiated with the passenger, said Melendez.
Knives can be legally transported when travelling by air in checked baggage. In fact, the TSA website provides all the rule and regulations anyone needs to travel without trouble.
