It’s giving main character energy, but not in a good way. A traveler at Watertown International Airport in upstate New York recently tried to get through security with a hidden memento that definitely wasn't allowed on a flight: a spent M18 smoke grenade. ## The discovery The whole thing started when TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez was doing her thing at the X-ray machine. She noticed a suspicious aerosol container and immediately flagged it. “I didn’t like how the item appeared,” Alvarez said. She called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam, who noted that the top of the can looked “funny.” When the team checked the side pocket of the bag, they pulled out the grenade. The passenger lowkey claimed he just “forgotten it was there,” even though his bag was mostly empty. Acting supervisor and Lead TSA Officer Debra Alcock had to bring in an explosives expert to verify that the grenade was actually spent. Thankfully, it was, but the whole situation still caused a major disruption. ## Why it matters It’s a huge L for airport safety. TSA Federal Security Director Brian Bushnell reminded travelers that even if an item is spent or a replica, it’s not clearing the checkpoint. These "items” can cause major delays and force a law enforcement response, so just leave them at home. The ATF also warns that even vintage explosives can be hazardous. Real talk: just check your bags before you head to the terminal.