TSA seizes drugs hidden in modified computer at Phoenix airport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 05:28 · Archive

TSA officers discovered suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and ketamine concealed inside a modified Apple Mac mini computer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

TSA officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona discovered suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and ketamine concealed inside a modified Apple Mac mini computer during routine security screening on 9 October. Lead TSA Officer Logan Stortz initially spotted the unusual mass and wiring on the X-ray machine while screening the passenger's carry-on bag. TSA Officer Isaiah Martinez Jr. then searched the bag and consulted with Stortz about the suspicious computer.

A second screening revealed a mass beneath a concealed area and additional signs of tampering. An explosives specialist examined the computer and discovered plastic-wrapped material inside, including a crystallized substance and an orange pill-like item. "I stopped all procedures at that point," the explosives specialist said. Officers called law enforcement to the checkpoint, where preliminary field-testing indicated the substances included the suspected drugs.

Phoenix police arrested the passenger, whose identity was not released. Supervisory TSA Officer Emily Price noted that 'the way this was concealed was unusual'. TSA Officer Stortz said he initially thought the X-ray image might be part of an internal TSA test, but was 'very surprised' when he discovered it was drugs.

How it is being reported

• Bizarre X-ray scan leads TSA officers to flight passenger’s illegal stashSuspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and ketamine found inside a modified Apple computer.New York Post · 13 Oct, 05:14
• Bizarre X-ray scan leads TSA officers to flight passenger's illegal stashAt Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Arizona, TSA officers exposed a bizarre smuggling attempt, seizing fentanyl, meth, and ketamine stashed inside a modified computer.Fox News · 12 Oct, 23:34

In this story: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport · Arizona · Logan Stortz · Isaiah Martinez Jr. · Robert Rosas Perez II · Emily Price · TSA · Phoenix police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem