An American politician has been arrested in Hong Kong for carrying a gun into the city, according to a charge sheet seen by CNN, in what he has called an “honest mistake.”
I don’t know if this is still the case, but I read a few years back that the TSA had a zero or near zero success rate in catching items deliberately put through their screening by their own auditors. I’d doubt they’re too worried about it. Their job is not to stop terrorists, it’s to hassle and intimidate innocent travelers to appear as if they’re actually doing something in as flagrant and visible a manner as possible. That’s why it’s called security theater; it’s not real, it’s just play acting.
I don’t stash guns in my briefcase so this wouldn’t be an issue, but let us suppose I did and it was. Then if I made it to Hong Kong, I’d probably dismantle it, dispose of the pieces in separate places, and find out how to safely dispose of the bullets (because I’d hate to trash them and they get tossed into an incinerator and go off or something absurd like that).
I definitely wouldn’t try to fly with it back, but I just don’t know that I could trust authorities to act right.
That poses an additional risk if you intentionally try and dispose of it. The key word being intent. I think if they catch you disposing it at say there receiving area prior to customs/security, that likely would be a more serious offense than declaring it at customs knowing at minimum it will be confiscated.
Most countries are very lenient if you unknowingly brought it contraband but immediately declared it. It becomes less clear when the contraband is illegal within the country. Ie. Bring some fruits and declare and they won’t give a shit. Bring a pound of cocaine and even if you declare, they might still have issue with that.
I should’ve read the article instead of just glancing. I got it into my head that he made it into the country and was in his way out.
And, honestly, I forgot about customs. Yeah nothing to do but notify someone at that point. Because on my last few flights, even international, for whatever reason they’ve just pushed me on through. I look that fucking boring.
I actually like your idea of disposing if it. Not sure what kind of opportunities you have once the plane has landed. You’d think they would have garbage cans by the baggage claim? But let’s say you couldn’t even make it that far, why not dispose of it on the plane itself? Like in the bathroom garbage or something. Or under a seat cushion?
Of course the other comment mentions intent. Now this seems like a much worse crime. A reasonable person might think other reasonable people would understand if you immediately reported this to customs as an accident. But had I know it was automatic arrest and 14 years, I might take my chances trying to get rid of it.
The Portland TSA crew is about to get a serious reprimand.
I don’t know if this is still the case, but I read a few years back that the TSA had a zero or near zero success rate in catching items deliberately put through their screening by their own auditors. I’d doubt they’re too worried about it. Their job is not to stop terrorists, it’s to hassle and intimidate innocent travelers to appear as if they’re actually doing something in as flagrant and visible a manner as possible. That’s why it’s called security theater; it’s not real, it’s just play acting.
All he had to do was to approach the crew and tell them he has a gun, asking them if they know what to do next… WCGW
That might have resulted in an in air incident. I would definitely wait till the plane landed.
I don’t stash guns in my briefcase so this wouldn’t be an issue, but let us suppose I did and it was. Then if I made it to Hong Kong, I’d probably dismantle it, dispose of the pieces in separate places, and find out how to safely dispose of the bullets (because I’d hate to trash them and they get tossed into an incinerator and go off or something absurd like that).
I definitely wouldn’t try to fly with it back, but I just don’t know that I could trust authorities to act right.
That poses an additional risk if you intentionally try and dispose of it. The key word being intent. I think if they catch you disposing it at say there receiving area prior to customs/security, that likely would be a more serious offense than declaring it at customs knowing at minimum it will be confiscated.
Most countries are very lenient if you unknowingly brought it contraband but immediately declared it. It becomes less clear when the contraband is illegal within the country. Ie. Bring some fruits and declare and they won’t give a shit. Bring a pound of cocaine and even if you declare, they might still have issue with that.
I should’ve read the article instead of just glancing. I got it into my head that he made it into the country and was in his way out.
And, honestly, I forgot about customs. Yeah nothing to do but notify someone at that point. Because on my last few flights, even international, for whatever reason they’ve just pushed me on through. I look that fucking boring.
I actually like your idea of disposing if it. Not sure what kind of opportunities you have once the plane has landed. You’d think they would have garbage cans by the baggage claim? But let’s say you couldn’t even make it that far, why not dispose of it on the plane itself? Like in the bathroom garbage or something. Or under a seat cushion?
Of course the other comment mentions intent. Now this seems like a much worse crime. A reasonable person might think other reasonable people would understand if you immediately reported this to customs as an accident. But had I know it was automatic arrest and 14 years, I might take my chances trying to get rid of it.