Fifth American Tourist Arrested in Turks and Caicos for Ammunition in Luggage

In another concerning incident for American travelers, a fifth U.S. tourist has been arrested at the Howard Hamilton International Airport in Turks and Caicos after being found with ammunition in their luggage. This latest arrest occurred on May 13th during a routine security check, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police reported to CBS News. Details about the individual’s identity have not been disclosed.

This arrest adds to a growing list of Americans detained under similar circumstances in the Caribbean territory. Notably, four other Americans have been arrested for inadvertently carrying ammunition into Turks and Caicos, claiming the incidents were unintentional.

Among those previously arrested is Ryan Watson, a 40-year-old father from Oklahoma, whose case gained national attention after he was found with ammunition in April. Currently out on bail but confined to the island, Watson is required to report to the Grace Bay Police Station twice weekly as he awaits the progression of his case. He potentially faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.

Shortly after Watson’s incident, Tyler Wenrich, a 30-year-old Virginia EMT and father, was detained as he was about to board a cruise ship. He also faces a possible 12-year sentence after two bullets were discovered in his luggage. His wife, Jeriann Wenrich, expressed her dismay to CBS News, highlighting the disproportionate nature of the punishment for what she insists was a mere oversight.

Bryan Hagerich, another American, shared a similar ordeal after spending eight nights in a local jail following the discovery of ammunition in his checked baggage in February. Describing his experience as some of the “darkest, hardest times” of his life, Hagerich is also awaiting trial.

The legal landscape for tourists carrying guns or ammunition in Turks and Caicos shifted in February when a court order mandated potential prison time for such offenses, moving away from the previous system of monetary fines alone. However, the territory’s attorney general has indicated that the court can exercise discretion under exceptional circumstances to impose a sentence of less than 12 years.

Since November 2022, eight prosecutions involving American tourists have been initiated on the island for firearms and ammunition violations. In response to these incidents, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory last April, cautioning American tourists to meticulously check their luggage for any forgotten ammunition or weapons before traveling to Turks and Caicos. It emphasized that declaring a weapon with an airline does not permit its entry into the islands and will lead to arrest.

The National Rifle Association has also weighed in, advising U.S. gun owners to consider the potential risks of traveling to Turks and Caicos, given the severe legal repercussions faced by fellow citizens under the territory’s strict gun control laws.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cbsnews.com