Lighter-shaped gun displayed at airport

A lighter-shaped gun that was displayed at a Chongqing airport Monday would make anyone think twice about asking for a light after a long flight.

The lethal lighter was displayed among a group of items recently confiscated from airline passengers at the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

Employees explained the working butane device, measuring seven centimeters in length, has a hidden retractable handle that transforms the everyday object into a lethal weapon within a second.

Security personnel said the item was spotted by an X-ray scanner this March.

"The gun is capable of firing two bullets with enough power to wound from a distance and kill at close range," said an security check employee.

"But the most striking thing about the lighter is that it would go completely undetected without an X-ray," added the employee.

Other items shown in the exhibit included bullets, firecrackers, pepper spray and portable gas tanks.

Airport security staff explained one the most common items they confiscate is portable cell phone chargers - nearly a dozen every hour.

"Chargers are actually not listed as prohibited items, but those without any labeling cannot be taken on board," explained an employee.