An elderly woman had no idea her cane contained a secret blade.
Concealing a blade in a cane is nothing new, but it comes as quite the surprise if someone is carrying one without knowing it.
That's exactly what happened to an 80-year-old woman trying to fly out of Myrtle Beach International Airport. The woman got quite the surprise when TSA officials informed her cane, a gift from her son, actually held a hidden blade according to Myrtle Beach Online.
As it turns out, this is nothing new for the TSA. "It happens a lot, actually," TSA regional spokesman Mark Howell told reporters. "People pick them up at a thrift store and the sword isn't found until we X-ray it."
The woman willingly gave up the cane to security officials. The blade could only be revealed after twisting and pulling on the sword's bronze handle.
Howell was holding a press conference that displayed many of the other items the TSA regularly confiscates from people trying to board a flight. The cane sword has gained the most attention just because of how unusual it is.
It's not uncommon for security officials to come across handguns that passengers have accidentally left in carry-on luggage.
If you or someone you know owns a cane that was purchased second-hand, it might not be a bad idea to check and make sure it isn't a sword cane.
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