FBI gives Airport screeners list of new items HiJackers might use

[papau]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGANHZKR1JD.html

Aug 6, 2003
FBI Catalogs Hidden Weapons That Terrorists Could Use, Warns Airport Screeners By Curt Anderson Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - From belt buckles to keys to a deadly deck of cards, the FBI is warning security personnel about dozens of everyday items that can conceal knives or other weapons terrorists could use to hijack an airliner....89-page catalog ...converted into a CD and circulated to airport screeners ...most of the concealable knives, pepper spray devices and other items are inexpensive and can be purchased from manufacturers in the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Sweden, China and elsewhere. Knives are concealed in belt buckles, hairbrushes and combs, working cigarette lighters, crucifixes, lipstick cases, canes, umbrellas, keychains, pens, mock credit cards and money clips. While many of the blades are small, others are at least four inches long and some are sword-length.
Among the more exotic items is a deck of fake playing cards made of metal, with sharp edges, that can be thrown with deadly results. One fake key made in Japan conceals a knife and a smaller key that could be used to escape from handcuffs. One device, called a "shuckra," is a metal tube containing a wire that, when locked into place, becomes a hardened spike that could be used as a dagger. There are false name-brand soup, hairspray, shaving cream and cleanser cans with hidden compartments - the FBI calls them "can safes" - where weapons or dangerous substances could be placed. Fake books with hollowed centers are used as safes. <snip>

The Transportation Security Administration forbids air travelers from carrying sharp objects into an aircraft cabin. The agency bans such items as boxcutters, metal scissors with pointed tips, meat cleavers, swords and ice picks. But the FBI catalog notes there are many other razor knives and penknives that are used in construction and other businesses that could be just as deadly in the hands of a terrorist. Even plastic knives are included. <snip>