Missing Ammunition Raises Concerns in Saxony's Police Force

A significant search operation is currently underway within the Saxony police as reports confirm the disappearance of multiple tons of ammunition. Saxony's Interior Minister has acknowledged the situation following inquiries from political representatives.

According to a response from the Interior Ministry, a total of 188,691 cartridges are reported missing, along with a substantial number of firearms and some batons. The issue first came to light last September when the police academy in Rothenburg alerted the ministry about discrepancies identified during an internal inventory check.

In response, the ministry established a task force to investigate the matter. While some missing items have been accounted for, the investigation has not resolved all discrepancies. Initial assessments suggest that theft is unlikely; instead, the situation appears to stem from significant lapses in record-keeping.

It was revealed that a proper electronic tracking system for ammunition distribution does not currently exist. Instead, the documentation of issued cartridges relies on handwritten records maintained on index cards. This apparent negligence has led to ongoing concerns over the management of police resources.

The thorough investigation is part of a broader review of all police departments in Saxony, which is expected to conclude by the end of March. In the course of these inquiries, one of the missing firearms has reportedly been located, and a suspect has been identified. The Görlitz public prosecutor's office is now investigating allegations of misappropriation.

This situation echoes earlier incidents, including a 2021 scandal involving several Saxon police officers who conducted firearm training at an unauthorized private facility. Reports indicated that the training was financed using approximately 7,000 rounds of ammunition stolen from the state criminal police's armory, with an additional 7,500 rounds reportedly used during the training sessions.