TSA Trolls Passenger Who Tried to Hide a Vape Pen in a Tube of Toothpaste: 'Paste-y Situation'

Mar. 15, 2025

A passenger in Chicago attempted to hide a vape pen in a tube of toothpaste.Photo:TSA

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration is exposing one traveler’s failed trick.

After a TSA agent uncovered a vape pen in a tube of Colgate toothpaste at Chicago Midway International Airport, the agency decided to shared the cautionary tale — and a whole lot of dental puns — on social media.

The agency began the post with a joke, writing, “9 out of 10 dentists do not recommend.”

“Braces yourself!” the post continued. “At MDW, a passenger attempted to hide a vape pen inside of a toothpaste tube. Seems like they wanted to add a dash of minty-coolness to their traveling experience. What do we think?”

The TSA also dissuaded other travelers from copying the vape pen’s owner, writing, “Attempting to conceal items is a sure way to get yourself in a paste-y situation.”

Continuing its dental punning, the TSA wrote, “Need to brush up on the rules? E-cigarettes, vapes, and vape pen liquids are allowed.”

“All liquid containers such as e-juice and toothpaste in your carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit into a single quart-size bag along with your other travel-size liquids. We know this is a sensitive topic, but it’s all about fitting the essentials to molar a great traveling experience,” the post continued.

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“That person deserves an award for creative concealment. Perhaps a little… plaque,” one user wrote, while another punned, “Seems like TSA wanted to get to the ROOT of the problem.”

“Trying to hide something that you’re allowed to bring … inside of something you’re not allowed to bring. Brilliant,” another commenter added.

Colgate itself even acknowledged the “paste-y situation,” commenting with a couple of emojis with eyes peeking out from behind their hands.

source: people.com