A routine bag check at Gulf Shores International Airport turned into a history lesson last week. TSA officer Justin Dupree discovered five small cannonballs wrapped in paper towels inside a checked bag. The munitions ranged from grapefruit-sized to just an inch wide, and they weren’t just old souvenirs — they had been stolen from nearby Fort Morgan.
The passenger was unaware the items were stolen, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office was notified. Experts confirmed the cannonballs were inert and posed no explosive threat, but they’re still banned from air travel. Supervisory officer Richard Cash noted that this was only the second explosive-related incident at the airport since it opened in May 2025.
It’s a quirky reminder that TSA officers see it all — even at small regional airports. So next time you’re packing for a trip to the Gulf Coast, double-check your bags. You never know what might raise an eyebrow. Have you ever packed something that surprised the security screeners? Share your story in the comments.
