Jan 05, 2010

Security test fails as explosives fly to Ireland

08:03 PM

In a security test gone badly awry, explosives planted in the luggage of an unsuspecting traveler in Slovakia managed to evade detection and wind up in a Dublin apartment, Irish broadcaster RTE reports.

A 49-year-old electrician was released today without being charged after police raided his home and found 90 grams of RDX — research development explosive. Slovakian authorities admitted planting it in the man's bags Saturday at Bratislava Airport. Irish authorities were not alerted beforehand.

Slovakian officials described the explosives — slightly more than 3 ounces — as being in a "stable state."

"It is an unbelievable mistake," a security source told SKTODAY. "If that much explosive was detonated, it would cause serious damage; it would kill if it went off in a plane."

Sniffer dogs did manage to find seven other pieces of contraband that were secreted on other passengers as part of the security test.

Slovakian officials have apologized, but Irish politicians are demanding an investigation.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities ... ireland-/1