The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently confiscated a Call of Duty Zombies Monkey Bomb replica from a passenger at an airport. In the popular game series, the Monkey Bomb serves as a secondary tactical grenade that lures zombies, appearing in several titles, including the upcoming Black Ops 6.
First introduced in 2008’s Call of Duty: World at War, the Monkey Bomb — also called the Cymbal Monkey — is a well-known piece of equipment players can acquire through the Mystery Box in Zombies mode. It distracts zombies by clashing its cymbals and moving around, making it easier to eliminate them in groups. In Black Ops 6, it remains one of the most powerful tactical tools due to its explosive strength.
Because of its playful design, the Monkey Bomb has become a fan favorite, with many players buying replicas for display.TSA officers recently seized a fan’s Monkey Bomb controller holder at Boston Logan International Airport after discovering it in a checked bag. During “Prohibited Items Week,” TSA posted a photo of the item on Facebook, actively reminding travelers that they ban replica weapons or explosives from both carry-on and checked luggage.
Confiscated Call of Duty Zombies Monkey Bomb Replica Sparks Confusion Among Fans
In the comment section, many people expressed confusion over the TSA’s decision to confiscate the Monkey Bomb figurine, arguing that it didn’t resemble a real explosive. One commenter even joked that, given the circumstances, TSA might confiscate a toy version of Minecraft’s TNT, especially with the renewed interest from the Minecraft movie, and claim it looked like an actual bomb.
TSA guidelines actively permit toy guns and similar items, ideally packed in checked baggage. However, TSA prohibits items resembling real firearms, toy swords, and replica explosives like grenades in both checked and carry-on luggage. TSA officers hold the authority to confiscate any item they deem a security risk. Thus, TSA may seize 3D-printed replicas, such as Call of Duty Zombies’ Acid Gat Kit, if brought to an airport.
This isn’t the first time TSA has issued warnings about replica weapons from video games.The TSA actively reminds travelers to pack replica Warcraft weapons, even those functioning as power banks, in checked bags. Although some fans may consider these rules overly cautious, the TSA enforces a strict stance on replica weapons to ensure flight safety—a critical reminder for gamers and cosplayers traveling with props.