Originally Posted by Bart

When TSA screeners search your bag, they are not conducting a search looking for criminal evidence. You have given consent to a security search which is aimed at looking for prohibited or restricted items. Once a screener encounters a situation that goes beyond the scope of a security search, and yes, large amounts of cash, drug paraphernalia are items specified by the SOP as reportable items, then a certified peace officer trained in evidentiary procedure and authorized to exercise law enforcement judgment is notified to either assume responsibility for the search or declare no law enforcement interest. TSA searches are restricted in scope as you point out. What I think you don't see or perhaps refuse to see is the legitimacy of notifying the appropriate authority who has the legal jurisdiction to resume the search but for criminal evidence as opposed to security prohibited items.