Agreed, the story mentions that the exploded models were all the latest ones purchased in recent months

Wouldn't this be too easy to detect -- for example tripping airport security (or other X-ray security systems, govt. buildings etc).

Well if you have personnel who regularly carry weapons and/or explosives maybe those checks don't apply...but anyway this is mere speculation.

I think a state actor would be able to make an explosive look like a battery on x-ray.