Hundreds of prohibited items confiscated from local airports

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- More than 1,500 pounds of prohibited items collected from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport are now in the hands of the TSA.

Nearly 14 years after the September 11 attacks changed the rules of airport security, it’s hard to believe what people still try to get past screeners.

In Southwest Florida, confiscated items include grenades, swords, even a meat grinder.

“It’s just surprising that this many people still bring large knives, guns and brass knuckles to an airport,” said Martin Robinson, federal security director for the two local airports. Robinson held a press conference Tuesday, wanting to remind people of what is not allowed on airplanes.

In 2015 alone, 12 guns have been taken from passengers at RSW, five were collected at the Punta Gorda Airport.

Robinson says those caught carrying a loaded weapon could face up to $11,000 in fines. There are also rules for putting guns in checked luggage.

To review what you can, and can’t, take with you while travelling, visit the TSA’s traveler information page.

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