TSA: No Snakes On This Plane
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Miami International Airport has led the way in the latest technology for airport security. One airport passenger learned this the hard way when he was trying to sneak seven exotic snakes onto a plane…in his pants.
The incident happened on August 25th when security was screening passengers with a millimeter wave advanced imaging technology machine. It was there when TSA officials noticed a little bit extra in the passenger's pants.
When taken for further screening, TSA officials discovered seven exotic snakes and three tortoises held in nylon bags that were concealed inside the man's pants.
The man was arrested and charged with violating the Lacey Act, which deals with imports of exotic animals. He faces a maximum of five years in jail.
"While snakes and tortoises may not pose a threat to aviation, non-metallic weapons and explosive concealed beneath clothing remain a concern for security personnel and this discovery demonstrates again the effectiveness of advanced imaging technology," TSA spokesman Jon Allen wrote in a statement.
