Smuggled Gun Brings Extra Crunch To Peanut Butter Found At JFK

NEW YORK CITY — While some people like crunchy peanut butter, this New York City traveler preferred a nut spread that packs heat.

A Rhode Island man tried to smuggle a semi-automatic gun into John F. Kennedy Airport Thursday by hiding it in two jars of peanut butter, the Transportation Security Administration announced Friday.

“The gun parts were artfully concealed in two smooth creamy jars of peanut butter," said John Essig, TSA’s Federal Security Director for JFK Airport.

"But there was certainly nothing smooth about the way the man went about trying to smuggle his gun.”

TSA agents who uncovered the "sticky situation" at the airport checked baggage x-ray unit found disassembled parts concealed "artfully" inside, according to a tongue-in-cheek press release.

The .22 caliber gun parts were wrapped in plastic and the magazine was loaded with bullets, according to the TSA.

The traveler was tracked down and arrested, officials said.

The TSA noted travelers must have a permit and pack their gun according to regulation or else risk civil penalties of up to $15,000.

Those who try to hide guns in peanut butter can also expect to be the subject of a salty press release.