Police arrest US man who tried to board plane with 'vampire straw'

A traveller at Boston's International Airport in the US was arrested after officials found a potentially deadly "vampire straw" in his carry-on luggage.

The 26-year old man was headed to Chicago from Boston when Massachusetts State Police confiscated the US$85 ($128) straw from his bag and arrested him.

While vampire straws may be permitted in checked luggage in some states, they are illegal to carry in Massachusetts, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said.

READ MORE: Housing values lift nationally for second month running

This "vampire straw," designed as an inconspicuous self-defence weapon, was confiscated at Boston's Logan Airport on April 23, according to TSA New England.

The man was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, according to a statement from Massachusetts State Police.

Police did not release his name.

What is a vampire straw

The image posted of the item shows a metal straw with a tapered end and a grooved handle for the user to grip.

The TSA said the straw's "strength, length and dagger-like point make it a defence weapon" and that the "company's website labels it as such."

According to the website, the titanium straw "allows the user to drink effortlessly any thick shake or smoothie."

READ MORE: Tasmanian boy, 11, recovering in hospital after shark attack off WA

But in addition to making it easier to drink a smoothie, the straw is also "designed for self defence" and is "super tough and long enough to be used like a dagger," reads the website.

Each 25-centimetre straw is made to order in the US, the website states.

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.



from 9News https://ift.tt/IxE5qFH
via IFTTT

Comments