Being Detained In China For Allegedly Carrying Illegal Ammunition

A FedEx pilot was arrested September 12 and ordered to stay in China for allegedly attempting to carry illegal ammunition aboard a Cathay Pacific flight.

CNN Business relays a report from the Wall Street Journal which indicates that Hong Kong-based pilot Todd Hohn was attempting to board the flight in Guangzhou in southern mainland China after making a delivery. Chinese authorities said Hohn was carrying "nonmetallic pellets used in low-power replica air guns," leading to allegations that he was illegally carrying ammunition.

FedEx has confirmed Hohn's arrest.

Hohn was released on bail pending trial, according to Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry. They says 681 air-filled pellets were discovered during a luggage search.

Hohn, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, must remain in China until authorities have completed their investigation, according to the report. "We are working with the appropriate authorities to gain a better understanding of the facts," FedEx said in a statement.

Tensions between FedEx and China have increased against the backdrop of larger trade issues between that country and the United States.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report