Airport zapper gun security

jlang

In the old days (80s) when you used to go to Dublin Airport you used to be checked at the door of the terminal building. A guard would ask you where you were going and then stick a pointy zapper gun (for want of better terminology) to your bag or your handbag or any luggage you were bringing.

What was that all about? Did the gun thing sniff out drugs/metal/whatever? Or was it just a fake security measure?

BuffyBot

As far as I know, it was an increased security measure in light of the trouble in the North

Dingatron

That was related to the troubles in the north at the time AFAIK. The airport was classed as a target. As soon as the peace agreement came they stopped it. It was an explosive sniffer.

Dinner

That used to be one of the big highlights of going to the airport (sad I know). I was always waiting for the guard to stop someone.

The_Bullman

I heard that it was a fake scanner. Just a way of stopping questionable looking people

Bluehair

No it was real all right just so bloody unreliable as to be almost worthless.

Was constantly set off by recently dry-cleaned clothes especially :rolleyes:

Like most things 'security' related in airports it was more to do with inspiring (false)confidence in passengers than catching bad guys.

Sarsfield

Used to get zapped in a similar fashion in Connolly station when taking the Enterprise to Belfast.

Capt'n Midnight

Bluehair wrote:

Was constantly set off by recently dry-cleaned clothes especially :rolleyes:

FYI Dry cleaning fluid was used up North in the manufacture of explosives.