Costa Rican airport authorities seized a weapon and ammunition from a U.S citizen as he attempted to board an international flight, said the Public Security Ministry.

The incident took place at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) outside of the capital city of San José, Costa Rica.

The man had failed to report he was carrying a firearm and ammunition, which are not permitted on flights, said security officials.

The man was traveling to Panama.

Officials who questioned the man discovered he did not have papers or permits for the weapon, and therefore was sent for prosecution for illegally bearing a firearm, added the Ministry of Public Security.

On November 1, a different man had an air gun stashed in his carry-on luggage, and also failed to report the weapon, which is not allowed on flights. He had the weapon confiscated by police, and was not allowed to board the flight, but police said he could come later to retrieve the weapon, according to police reports.