TSA agents seize 8 guns in carry-on bags at Orlando International Airport in past week

Officials warn guns must be secured in checked luggage

ORLANDO, Fla. – Transportation Security Administration officials warn passengers not to place guns in their carry-on bags, but to instead place them in checked luggage, officials said on Wednesday.

TSA officials said that five guns were seized at the airport over the past two days. Additionally, three other guns were seized on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15.

This brings the total number of guns seized by officers at passenger checkpoints to 66 for 2017. In 2016, officers had seized 55 guns around this time, although the year ended with a total of 86 guns seized.

Passengers are never allowed to transport their guns in the cabin of the aircraft, officials said.

The fine for attempting to bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint can reach up to $12,000. However, the person may face criminal charges and could be arrested by the Orlando Police Department as well.

Officials said if you must travel with your gun, it must be in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline at check-in.