A US Army soldier has been arrested after attempting to bring a small amount of high-velocity plastic explosive onboard a United Airlines flight from Arizona to Los Angeles.
Arizona District Attorney spokesman Robbie Sherwood said US Army Private First Class Christopher Eric Wey was detained at the Yuma International Airport on Wednesday after Transportation Security Administration screeners found 14 grams (a half ounce) of C4 military explosives hidden in a tobacco can inside one of his bags, Reuters reported on Friday.
Wey was detained for investigation and interviewed by FBI agents. He was charged with attempting to carry an explosive onto an aircraft and transporting stolen explosives.
The 19-year-old US soldier apparently stole the C4 explosive after being terminated from a training course at the Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
Authorities have found no evidence that Wey intended any harm with the small amount of explosive in his possession.
Wey has confessed to investigators that he hid the C4 explosive in a tobacco container in the hopes of bringing it home, showing it off to his family and disposing of it.
The US Army private could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of USD 250,000 if he pleads guilty.
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