TSOs Discover Illegal Drugs on Passenger
News & Happenings
May 4, 2007
A view of the X-ray machine where the drugs were
discovered.
While working at a Metropolitan Oakland (Calif.) International Airport checkpoint last month, TSOs Richard Lin and Andrew Scott discovered four one-half kilo bricks of cocaine stuffed in two large vases packed in a passenger's luggage.
Relying on training and expertise, Lin and Scott pulled passenger Frank Taylor's bags aside after the X-ray machine alarmed. After performing an explosives trace detection test with negative results, the TSOs opened both bags and agreed that things did not appear "normal."
After a police K-9 team ruled out explosives, the TSOs removed the vases from the luggage and discovered the illegal drugs, hidden below candles inserted at the top of the vases.
"I am impressed with the dedication of these two TSOs," said Supervisory TSO Darrell Robinson. "With the workload they were under, they still took the time to do it right."
Taylor was arrested.
FSD Fred Lau said, "Officers Lin and Scott persevered where others might have given up. Vigilance is key to our culture at TSA."
