TSA Officers Discover Drugs Hidden in Modified Computer at Phoenix Airport
An X-ray anomaly led to the discovery of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and ketamine concealed within an Apple Mac mini.
TSA officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport discovered a significant quantity of suspected illegal drugs concealed within a modified Apple Mac mini desktop computer. The discovery was made on October 9 when a TSA officer noticed an unusual mass and wiring inside the device during a routine X-ray scan.
Lead TSA Officer Logan Stortz initially mistook the anomaly for a testing exercise but quickly realized the seriousness of the find. "When I found out it was drugs, I was very surprised," Stortz stated.
Further inspection by TSA Officer Isaiah Martinez Jr. and a subsequent screening revealed a hidden compartment within the computer containing plastic-wrapped material. An explosives specialist examined the device and identified a crystalline substance and an orange pill-like item. Preliminary field tests by law enforcement indicated the presence of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and ketamine.
Phoenix police were called to the scene and arrested the passenger, whose identity has not been released. Supervisory TSA Officer Emily Price commented on the unusual method of concealment, noting that attempts to smuggle prohibited items through security checkpoints may be more frequent than the public realizes.
TSA's primary mission at security checkpoints is to detect weapons and explosives. When suspected illegal drugs are found, law enforcement is notified to handle the situation and any potential arrests.