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The deadly weapon that could bring down a plane - and it fits in your pocket

There’s a new threat to aviation security and it’s small enough to fit in your wallet or pocket.

A 7 News investigation found that at least 75 credit card knives have been seized at Australian airports in the past two months.

An aviation expert says those in possession of them might not realise just what they’re capable of when in the wrong hands.

75 credit card knives were detected at Australian airports in less than two months.
75 credit card knives were detected at Australian airports in less than two months.

“This is absolutely a weapon that can be used to take over an aeroplane without any doubt at all,” Geoffrey Thomas said.

A freedom of information request from 7 News yielded 114 documents detailing weapons seized boarding or in checked baggage in Australian airports.

Fifteen handguns and a rifle were discovered, including one carried by an undercover Queensland officer escorting a witness onto a flight at Brisbane in April.

Between March 18 and May 10 this year, 39 credit card knives were detected at Melbourne airport, 14 in Sydney, 11 in Adelaide and a further 11 in Brisbane and Canberra collectively.

Despite being illegal, sites like eBay offer them for as little as $1.35 and Australian senator Nick Xenophon has slammed their use.

"It's sounds almost harmless but in the wrong hands a credit card knife could be a weapon of mass destruction on a plane," he said.

Australian airports are considering introducing new detection technology in light of the findings.