Raid in Hamburg: Police caught illegal fireworks ring!

Raid in Hamburg: Police caught illegal fireworks ring!

In Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, the police are currently increasingly deployed to take illegal pyrotechnics out of circulation. This has become a significant focus topic in recent days, not least because of an unfortunate incident two weeks ago in which a 15-year-old in Hamburg-Niendorf suffered serious injuries from prematurely setting off firecrackers. This week, the police carried out numerous searches and confiscated several hundred kilograms of dangerous firecrackers, which can pose a significant danger in the wrong hands, as tagesschau.de reports.

The police's record so far is shocking: a total of 14 objects were searched in several operations from December 13th to 22nd, 2025. Not only illegal fireworks, but also blank guns, telescopic batons and other dangerous items were seized. During a search operation in Bargfeld-Stegen and Itzstedt alone, around 450 kilograms of illegal fireworks were collected, including highly explosive "Poland firecrackers", which are considered extremely dangerous due to poor workmanship and the use of industrial explosives, as the Federal Police highlights.

Arrests and investigation results

The civil investigators were on guard and were able to arrest several suspected sellers and buyers. Two young people aged 15 and 16 and a 19-year-old from Hamburg-Billstedt are suspected of selling illegal pyrotechnics. During the course of the investigation, it emerged that the 19-year-old had been actively selling fireworks via messenger services since the summer of 2025. During his searches, 30 boxes containing around 40,000 “DumBum 5G” firecrackers and around 8,000 euros in cash were also seized, reports news.de.

A particularly alarming aspect of this investigation is the connection between illegal fireworks and acts of violence. As part of the checks in Steilshoop and Wilhelmsburg, the police measures show that the suspects' accommodation served not only as a place of sale, but also as a weapons storage facility. Not only banned fireworks were found here, but also blank guns and masking materials.

Security risks and prevention

The police are urgently appealing to citizens: the purchase and use of fireworks that do not have the appropriate permits is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous. Poor workmanship and use of prohibited substances can result in serious injury. It is recommended to only purchase approved products from legal points of sale and to look for the CE mark. It should be particularly emphasized that fireworks without a traceable origin and the correct labels should not be used. The importation and possession of unauthorized fireworks can result in fines or imprisonment of up to three years, according to the federal police.

Although the investigation is still ongoing, it is clear that the police are taking decisive action against the illegal trade in pyrotechnics. Residents in Hamburg and the surrounding area are called upon to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. The protection of citizens is the top priority - especially on the upcoming New Year's Eve, when the use of legal fireworks while observing safety regulations should be given top priority.