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TSOs Discover Illegal Drugs During Secondary Screening

News & Happenings

April 17, 2007

TSO searching a bag

Routine screening at Metropolitan Oakland (Calif.) International Airport not only ensured security, but led to the capture of a passenger carrying more than 1,000 ecstasy pills and $20,000 in cash earlier this year. The drugs were valued at more than $20,000 and the passenger was wanted on a $5 million dollar warrant for a previous drug bust.

During a random security pat-down, Lead Transportation Security Officer Peter Chan detected a suspicious bulge. The passenger insisted the bulge was from the three pairs of pants he was wearing. Chan told the passenger that he had been selected for secondary screening and continued the process with TSO Steven Arreguin. The passenger finally produced the cash from inside pair of pants, but denied carrying anything else.

Chan again patted down the man and discovered the drugs. He then contacted the Oakland Police Department, and the passenger was taken into custody.

"Your diligence and persistence in the performing of your duties in this case led to the seizure of large quantities of an illegal, dangerous and possibly fatal drug," Supervisory TSO Michael Simmons wrote to Chan in a commendation letter.