An American national was today arrested at the Chennai airport for carrying a loaded revolver, officials said.

Central Industrial and Security Force personnel found the weapon while scanning the baggage of Semilar (58) when he was about to board a Mumbai-bound flight at the domestic airport here.

He was later handed over to the airport authorities, CISF officials said. Semilar had arrived here last week from New Delhi to undergo treatment at a private hospital.

After preliminary inquiry, officials said he had a valid licence issued in the US. The American Consulate here has been informed about his arrest, officials said.