91-year-old brings sword concealed in cane through DIA security

DENVER (KDVR) — The Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers about what they can and cannot bring through the checkpoints at Denver International Airport ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

DIA expects to screen over 1 million travelers between Dec. 19 and the new year. During a media briefing Thursday, TSA showed commonly confiscated items at security checkpoints. Some items were taken recently, others a while back.

One of those items was a cane sword that was confiscated as recently as Saturday.

TSA officials said it appeared to be a traditional cane, but when agents pulled off the top, a large blade was inside the core of the cane.

"It looks like a cane. It was brought by a 91-year-old woman on Saturday to the checkpoint, and when it was placed through the X-ray, because we do X-ray every piece of personal property people are traveling with, here's what they found. This is called a cane sword. So, the cane is concealed in the handle of the sword itself. I've seen many of these during my time working for TSA," said Lorie Dankers with TSA.

Dankers continued and explained that oftentimes, travelers aren't aware they brought a banned item.

"Many times the traveler's unaware. I've seen them with duck handles. I've seen some like this. They're a big item at flea markets, so people might pick that up, think they have a handy cane to take with them traveling, and then when it gets X-rayed, we see why, in fact, it won't be allowed into the cabin of the aircraft," she said.

Dankers also mentioned that pepper spray, martial arts accessories for kids, blades and power tools are frequently confiscated. No tools over 7 inches long are allowed.

She added that a recent increase in stun guns, often pink ones, have been taken through the checkpoints lately. Those are not allowed in your carry-on.

TSA said DIA is in the top 10 nationwide for people attempting to bring firearms through airport security.

"So, it's a reminder of why we screen every traveler. It's a reminder of why we screen every item. So, it's a little bit surprising. Our officers have seen it. In fact, they've pretty much seen it all," Dankers said.