I would go further to suggest that, simply, more people attempt to carry contraband such as illegal drugs, than attempt to carry "dangerous" items, such as thos

I would go further to suggest that, simply, more people attempt to carry contraband such as illegal drugs, than attempt to carry "dangerous" items, such as those that "terrorists" would ostensibly try to bring on board. Since the TSA is obligated to report such finds to local law enforcement, and that law enforcement is routinely a radio call and 45 seconds away, it appears that the TSA is responsible for arrests and seizures when, in fact, they have no authority to do so themselves, but rather the obligation to report illegal goods. Don't get me wrong, the TSA's involvement in the "war on drugs" isn't in question. They're an informant. But when they find a gun in your bag, they're still an informant. They inform law enforcement, who comes to question and/or arrest the passenger. Other than the deflection of liability should something dangerous get through the screening checkpoints, I personally think we could do without the TSA.