Portugal’s Army has started disciplinary proceedings against members of Engineering Regiment #1 due to security breaches at the Tancos arms storage facility.
On June 25th, the Arnmy confirmed that, "The internal investigation into Engineering Regiment #1 already has finished and gave rise to the opening of disciplinary processes that are in course."
The Army has not disclosed how many soldiers are involved not whether anyone has been charged with stealing explosives, arms and ammunition, or with failing to patrol the 2.5 kilometre fenced perimeter “as there were no jeeps available.”
On 29 June, the army reported the theft of military materials from the Tancos stores, with an estimated value of €34,400. According to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Pina Monteiro, much of the stolen material was obsolete and destined for destruction.
Security commentators pointed out that this category of weapons and explosives are keenly sought after by terrorist groups.
Almost a month after the thefts, Defence Minister Azeredo Lopes announced the closure of the Tancos facility because of the logistical difficulties of ensuring security. The remaining arms and explosives are now at Air Force and Navy warehouses where security conditions are up to NATO standards.
Whether anyone will be disciplined of prosecuted for the thefts remains to be seen but the slack security regime covering hard-core military equipment led to easy theft. Where the equipment is now, remains unknown but is a serious concern for security forces charged with keeping the population safe from terrorist attack.
It is evident that the ministerial response - to close the facility on security grounds - is a case of 'horse' and 'stable door' and with no determined effort to find out who stole the equipment, the government response is to sweep the whole matter under the carpet.
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