A 46-year-old American citizen was detained at Kraków-Balice Airport in Poland after airport security discovered a significant amount of live ammunition in his carry-on luggage.
Bound for Houston
According to SE the man, who was attempting to board a private jet bound for Houston, Texas, was found with 40 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition during a routine security check.
Upon discovery of the ammunition, the airport's security services immediately notified the Polish Border Guard, who detained the man on the spot.
The possession of such ammunition without the necessary permits is a serious offense under Polish law, carrying the possibility of a prison sentence ranging from six months to eight years. The American national, however, refused to provide an explanation for why he had the ammunition in his possession.
Financial Penalty instead of Prison
The Polish authorities charged the man under Article 263 § 2 of the Polish Penal Code, which pertains to the illegal possession of firearms or ammunition.
Despite the severity of the charges, the situation was ultimately resolved without the imposition of a prison sentence. The man was instead subjected to a financial penalty, though the exact amount was not disclosed.
This incident highlights the strict regulations surrounding firearms and ammunition in Europe, where penalties for such infractions are often much harsher than in the United States.
The case also underscores the importance of understanding and complying with local laws, particularly when traveling internationally with items that may be subject to stringent regulations.
