Father Discovers Box of Illegal Fireworks Purchased via Instagram in Berlin Child's Room

Authorities in Berlin have issued a warning to parents after a father in the Neukölln district accidentally uncovered a box containing dozens of illegal and highly dangerous fireworks in his 12-year-old son's bedroom. The discovery was made while the parent was searching for a missing key, leading to the unexpected find of a carton filled with unapproved pyrotechnics originating from Poland and the Czech Republic.

According to police reports, the child had managed to obtain the illicit fireworks by contacting a seller through the social media platform Instagram. Approximately 60 powerful firecrackers, described as capable of causing severe injuries such as the loss of fingers, were brought into the home. The transaction highlights the growing challenge posed by the online trade of illegal fireworks, particularly among minors who may not fully grasp the risks involved.

Further investigation revealed that the boy had already begun experimenting with the contents of the fireworks. He attempted to extract black powder from several devices to construct a homemade explosive within the casing of a glue stick. Such improvised devices pose an extreme risk, as a single spark could trigger a catastrophic explosion with devastating consequences for anyone nearby. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the father promptly surrendered the entire cache to the police.

Police officials emphasized the significant dangers posed by non-approved fireworks, especially those acquired through informal channels and social media networks. These products often lack essential safety features and can contain much higher explosive content than permitted by German regulations. The authorities stressed the importance of parental vigilance and encouraged parents to discuss the hazards of illegal pyrotechnics with their children to prevent similar incidents.

The case underscores a broader trend observed in Berlin and across Germany, where the illegal import and distribution of powerful fireworks, particularly from neighboring countries, has become increasingly prevalent. Law enforcement agencies have conducted multiple raids in recent months, seizing substantial quantities of unauthorized pyrotechnic materials. In a separate operation in the Lichtenberg district, police discovered over 800 kilograms of illegal fireworks and several kilograms of suspicious powder after receiving an anonymous tip. The location also contained large amounts of tablets, further raising concerns about the scale and variety of illicit goods being trafficked.

In response to the heightened risks associated with unregulated fireworks, several Berlin districts have imposed stricter controls on the use and sale of pyrotechnics during the New Year's period. Individuals found in possession of illegal fireworks face hefty fines, with penalties reaching up to 50,000 euros. These measures aim to protect public safety and reduce the number of injuries caused by dangerous explosives each year.

The police continue to urge residents to report any suspicious activity related to the sale or storage of fireworks and to ensure that only certified, legally approved products are used. The incident in Neukölln serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of the illegal fireworks trade and the need for increased awareness among both parents and children.