American Tourists Arrested in Turks and Caicos for Ammunition Possession

In a recent incident at the Howard Hamilton International Airport in Turks and Caicos, an American tourist was arrested for possessing ammunition. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police confirmed the arrest, marking the second such case in the Caribbean territory in just a few weeks.

The ammunition was discovered during a routine security inspection. While the traveler's identity remains undisclosed, the possession of ammunition is illegal in this British Overseas Territory. From February 2024, anyone caught transporting firearms or ammunition into the territory faces a minimum sentence of 12 years.

This latest arrest adds to the total of five Americans charged with ammunition possession. Of these, four individuals have claimed the ammunition was accidentally left in their luggage. In response, US Governors Kevin Stitt, Josh Shapiro, and Glenn Youngkin have appealed to the Governor of Turks and Caicos for the release of the detained Americans.

The governors emphasized that none of the arrested individuals were carrying firearms and that the ammunition was unintentionally brought along. They have asked for leniency, highlighting the lack of malicious intent. Their letter states, "We humbly ask that your government temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent."

The rising number of such arrests has prompted the US State Department and the US Embassy in the Bahamas to issue a travel advisory. Travelers are urged to thoroughly inspect their luggage to ensure no prohibited items are accidentally brought along.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), firearms must be transported unloaded in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage. Ammunition is also prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage if securely packaged.

The TSA advises travelers to review guidelines on traveling with firearms and ammunition on the US Customs and Border Protection website. These guidelines include regulations on various types of firearms and ammunition to ensure compliance with travel and safety protocols.