A man from East Orange was arrested after TSA agents found an assault rifle and ammunition Monday in a checked bag at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The firearm, the high-capacity magazine and four boxes of hollow-point bullets that were found are all illegal in New Jersey.
Agents say the man also hid three magazines, one of which was fully loaded and more ammunition, in the lining of his suitcase, and then tried to check it.
Port Authority Police tracked down the man and his companion at the gate and arrested both.
TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey Tom Carter said in a statement: "This was an incredibly goof catch on part of our officers because the traveler attempted to evade detection by concealing the items beneath the lining of his suitcase."