Officials with U.S. Customs have released an image of a “mock IED” (improvised explosive device) seized earlier this month from a passenger’s luggage at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) tweeted a photo of the mock device with the hashtag #catchoftheday Monday morning. A spokesperson for the agency said CBP agents discovered the mock IED during an inspection of a traveller’s suitcase at the airport’s pre-clearance area on April 6.
#Catchoftheday! Great work by Toronto #Preclearance! #CBP officers discovered this mock IED last week in a passenger's luggage. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/stROkj48ku
— CBP (@CustomsBorder) April 17, 2017
CBP stopped processing while the IED was tested, & conducted a joint inspection of the aircraft, rescreening all travelers & baggage. (2/2)
— CBP (@CustomsBorder) April 17, 2017
Joseph Galaska, 58, a US citizen, was trying to board a flight from Toronto to Chicago when the device was discovered. He was charged with mischief and released on bail. Galaska is scheduled to be back in a Toronto-area court on April 24.
During an interview with ABC News, his wife said the device found was an alarm clock.
.@CustomsBorder @TorontoPearson .Re: breach investigation at Pearson Airport, the flight has been cleared there is no threat, investigation is ongoing by Peel Police.
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPoliceMedia) April 6, 2017
Image via Twitter/CBP