In October, an 8‑year‑old boy traveling from Warsaw to Venice is discovered carrying a 10‑centimeter metal bullet, prompting a safety probe at an Italian airport.
Surprising Find with an 8‑Year‑Old
In October, Anna and her children left Warsaw Chopin Airport for Venice. Check‑in was smooth, but problems arose on the return leg. At the Italian airport, security seized her 8‑year‑old son’s backpack during routine inspection.
Child Traveled with a Bullet
Border Guard staff said the backpack contained a metal object resembling a bullet. Anna explained she always double‑check luggage before flights. While searching her son’s clothing, the guard found a 10‑centimetre metallic bullet in his trouser pocket.
Anna told o2.pl she had no idea how the boy had acquired it. He calmly admitted it came from a school field trip where metal detectors were used in the woods. The device was deemed safe; the bullet was real ammunition without gunpowder, not a toy.
Why Was It Not Detected in Warsaw?
Chopin Airport was asked for comment. Communications specialist Daniel Majowski said the case was referred to the appropriate units for analysis, but the airport could not explain why the object was detected in Italy but not in Warsaw.
Chief of Security Management Albert Szczepaniak noted lack of data prevented a full assessment. He added that details of the security process and technology are “sensitive information.”
Report of Airport Control Failures
Last year media reported irregularities at Chopin Airport. The Border Guard Command was supposed to flag these and inform the Director of Aviation Security at the Civil Aviation Authority, Jacek Zalewski.
A letter highlighted a malfunctioning X‑ray device that could display a single bag’s image permanently. This resulted in inadequate scrutiny of all luggage. The airport spokesperson confirmed the issue and confirmed plans to replace the RTG units, with bids expected early next year.
