American Pilot Detained in Guangzhou

[Randy W]

from the WSJ

China Detains Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Flying for FedEx
Pilot had nonmetallic air gun pellets in checked luggage; authorities allege he was transporting ammunition illegally

The pilot, a former U.S. Air Force colonel named Todd A. Hohn, was detained a week ago while waiting for a commercial flight to his home in Hong Kong after flying deliveries throughout Asia from the FedEx regional hub in Guangzhou, people familiar with the matter said.

. . .

When he was detained, Mr. Hohn was carrying nonmetallic pellets used in low-power replica air guns in a checked bag, the people said. Chinese authorities have alleged that Mr. Hohn was illegally transporting ammunition and have begun a criminal investigation, the people said.

Like many FedEx pilots working in the region, Mr. Hohn commutes to the Guangzhou hub from his home in Hong Kong. Border police have been checking bags of travelers between Hong Kong and the mainland as pro-democracy protests rocking the city have turned increasingly violent.

Mr. Hohn was detained Sept. 12 by Chinese security officials, who escorted him from a preboarding executive lounge, interviewed him and retained his passport, cellphone and other communication devices, the people said.

Mr. Hohn has been told he isn’t allowed to leave mainland China until the investigation concludes, the people familiar with the matter said.

“Chinese authorities in Guangzhou detained and later released one of our pilots on bail after an item was found in his luggage prior to a commercial flight,” FedEx said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. “We are working with the appropriate authorities to gain a better understanding of the facts.”

Mr. Hohn was detained as he was waiting to board a flight with Cathay Dragon, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. The airline has come under increased scrutiny by Chinese authorities after some of its employees took part in demonstrations in Hong Kong or voiced support online for the opposition movement.

[Greg.D.]

Not a good time to 1) work for FedEx and be in China, and 2) travel in and out of Hong Kong with plastic replica gun ammunition in your luggage. He should have known better

[Randy W]

Not a good time to 1) work for FedEx and be in China, and 2) travel in and out of Hong Kong with plastic replica gun ammunition in your luggage. He should have known better

 

 

We had a box shipped to our home a few years ago that was clearly labeled as to its contents - "Assault Rifle", including similar pellets, albeit smaller. All plastic, but full size (for kids).

 

It was a present for our grandson.