TSA officers made an unusual discovery in a passenger’s checked luggage after an Xbox gaming console triggered an alarm.
The Transportation Security Administration later shared details of the incident.
The episode took place this month at LaGuardia Airport in New York City as the passenger moved through the TSA screening process and an alarm sounded.
“The bag alarmed on an Xbox gaming system, and TSA Officer Ashley Leo, who was manning the on-screen resolution area, diverted the bag to the checked baggage resolution area, where Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) Christopher Ramos was stationed,” the TSA said in a statement.
But the item found next to the Xbox quickly became the focus of the inspection.
While searching the luggage, Ramos found “a plastic bag containing several fake IDs next to the Xbox that prompted the alarm,” according to the TSA.
“I noticed various driver’s licenses with different dates of birth and different class types, but all with the same photograph,” Ramos said in a statement.
“I was focused on following our screening procedures and paying close attention to anything that appeared unusual.
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“When I discovered the fraudulent IDs, I knew it was important to report the situation through the proper channels.”
TSA management, airport officials and Port Authority police were notified. Authorities confirmed that the identification documents were fraudulent and arrested the passenger shortly before he was due to board his flight.
“STSO Christopher Ramos’ strict adherence to standard operating procedures, diligence and situational awareness prevented the fraudulent IDs from entering the airport’s secure area,” TSA LGA Federal Security Director John Essig said in a statement.
“Identifying fraudulent IDs is an important part of TSA’s layered security approach. It helps ensure that people entering secure areas of the airport are who they claim to be and supports the safety of the traveling public.”
Fox News Digital contacted the TSA seeking additional comment and information.
The LaGuardia incident is the latest in a series of unusual items discovered by TSA officers at airports around the country.
At Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas, TSA officers recently found a pocketknife hidden inside a tube of toothpaste during a routine carry-on bag screening.
And at Tampa International Airport in Florida, officers discovered a 4-inch, double-edged knife concealed inside a flashlight designed to look like a baseball bat.
