TSA seizes record number of guns

The Transportation Security Administration seized a record number of firearms last week, just ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.

Between May 15 and May 21, TSA officers confiscated a total of 82 guns, 66 of which were loaded.

The previous record of 81 firearms seized in one week was set in August last year and tied this March.

New Record: 82 firearms discovered in carry-on bags last week. More details at our blog: https://t.co/hU95FIgfHf pic.twitter.com/JxQyRHPASy

— TSA (@TSA) May 25, 2017

The uptick could be driven by the fact that TSA officers are screening more passengers, as travel volume has increased thanks to lower fuel prices, an improved economy and cheaper fares.

{mosads}Although firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, the TSA emphasizes that passengers can bring them in checked luggage as long as the items are properly packed and declared.

Travelers who bring firearms to a security checkpoint could face criminal charges and up to $11,000 in civil penalties from the agency.

In an effort to raise awareness about prohibited items, the TSA has used its popular social media accounts to display the banned and bizarre items screeners discover.

In addition to guns, the agency often finds cane swords, brass knuckles, batons and pocketknives — all of which are prohibited.

“Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds,” the TSA said in a blog post. “Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested.”