A second American tourist was apprehended at the Turks and Caicos airport on Monday for having ammunition in their luggage. This incident comes just weeks after the arrest of another American tourist in the same Caribbean territory gained significant media attention.
According to CBS News, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police have reported the arrest of a visitor at the Howard Hamilton International Airport on May 13th. The arrest was made after ammunition was discovered during a routine security check. However, the police have not released any additional information regarding the identity of the individual arrested.
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On Monday, the arrest of another individual added to the count of Americans facing charges for ammunition possession in the British territory, bringing the total to five. Out of the four Americans who have already been detained, all of them claim that they unintentionally brought the ammunition with them.
Ryan Watson, a 40-year-old father of two from Oklahoma, gained national attention when airport security discovered ammunition in his luggage in April. Currently out on bail, Watson is restricted to the island and must report to the Grace Bay Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday. If convicted, he could potentially face a minimum prison sentence of 12 years.
Just a few days after Watson’s arrest, Tyler Wenrich, a 30-year-old Virginia EMT and father, was apprehended on April 20th while attempting to board a cruise ship. Authorities discovered two bullets in his luggage, and as a result, he could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that they would give him a 12-year sentence,” expressed Jeriann Wenrich, the wife of the accused. In an interview with CBS News in April, she shared her concerns about her 18-month-old son growing up without his father.
Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania man, is currently awaiting trial after authorities discovered ammunition in his checked bag back in February. Reflecting on his experience, Hagerich shared with CBS News, “I had to spend eight nights in their local jail, and I must admit, those were some of the most difficult and challenging days of my life.”
In Turks and Caicos, it is strictly forbidden to possess firearms or ammunition. Earlier, tourists could simply pay a fine if caught with these prohibited items. However, in February, a court ruling changed this policy and now even tourists can face mandatory imprisonment along with a fine. The attorney general of the territory has stated that if a court determines that there were extraordinary circumstances surrounding the discovery of ammunition, the judge may have the authority to impose a prison sentence of less than 12 years.
Since November 2022, the island has seen a total of eight firearms and ammunition prosecutions involving tourists from the United States.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory in April, urging Americans traveling to Turks and Caicos to be cautious and thoroughly inspect their luggage for any stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. It emphasized that simply declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not authorize you to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands, and doing so will lead to your arrest.
According to a news release from the National Rifle Association on Monday, U.S. gun owners should take note of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ recent actions before planning a trip to the Caribbean jurisdiction. The association advises that even gun owners who are confident in their ability to ensure their luggage is free of any prohibited items should consider the implications of supporting a jurisdiction that treats their fellow Americans in such a manner.
