A drunk passenger at Shymkent Airport claimed there was an explosive device in his own luggage, was removed from his flight, and was sentenced to five days of administrative arrest, infohub.kz reports.
According to NUR.KZ, citing Polisia.kz, the incident occurred during check-in for a Shymkent–Astana flight. The man, who was intoxicated, stated that his baggage contained an "explosive device."
Airline representatives immediately removed the passenger from the flight and handed him over to transport police officers. During the inspection, the transport police found the information to be false — no explosive devices were discovered. No evacuation was carried out at the airport.
Following the investigation, the man was held accountable for appearing in a public place while intoxicated and for disorderly conduct. A court ordered him to serve 5 days of administrative arrest.
"Jokes about explosive devices and other security threats at airports and transport facilities are no laughing matter. Even if a person did not intend to cause harm and made such a statement 'as a joke,' such remarks are dealt with in accordance with the law and entail liability," the statement said.