Ecclestone stopped by police for taking shotgun into Portugal

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone was stopped by Portuguese authorities at an airport after arriving with a shotgun that he intended to use in a clay‑pigeon competition. The 77‑year‑old businessman was traveling to a shooting event in Portugal when airport staff discovered the firearm in his luggage and detained him for inspection.

According to reports, the shotgun was seized and held for further examination by customs officials, who confirmed that the weapon was legal for sporting use but required proper documentation. Ecclestone’s spokesperson said the former racing executive complied with all procedures and that the incident was resolved without any charges. The incident highlights the strict regulations governing the transport of firearms across international borders.

The former F1 executive’s brief detainment was cleared after the authorities verified the shotgun’s sporting license and the legality of its possession. No further legal action was taken, and Ecclestone was allowed to continue to his competition. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to import and export rules for sporting weapons.