Summary
- An American tourist arrested for possessing ammunition in Turks and Caicos – illegal in the territory.
- Five Americans were charged with possessing ammunition; 4 claimed it was accidental.
- US governors sent a letter seeking the release of detained Americans.
An American tourist has been arrested in the Turks and Caicos Islands for possession of ammunition. This news follows the arrest of another American tourist in the Caribbean territory for the same reason just weeks ago.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police confirmed the news to CBS News that the American was arrested at Howard Hamilton International Airport, though they did not disclose the traveler’s identity. Authorities also reported that a routine security inspection revealed ammunition in the tourist’s luggage.
It is worth noting that carrying a gun or ammunition is prohibited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Overseas Territory. Starting in February 2024, tourists face a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years for attempting to transport firearms, stray bullets, or ammunition in their luggage into the territory.
Photo: Joni Hanebutt | Shutterstock
The latest arrest brings the total number of Americans charged with ammunition possession to five. Four of the detained individuals claimed they accidentally brought the ammunition. In response to the recent arrests of American citizens, three governors — Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Glenn Youngkin of Virginia — sent a letter to the Governor of Turks and Caicos, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.
They called for the prompt release of three Americans detained in the British Overseas Territory. According to the letter, “none of them were carrying firearms, and each man maintains that the ammunition was unintentionally left in their luggage after legal recreational activities in the United States.” The letter also reads:
“As governors, we understand and appreciate the critical importance of upholding the laws and regulations of your territory for the protection of your citizens. We humbly ask that your government—in its wisdom—temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent.
We respectfully request that you reconsider the charges against Bryan Hagerich, Tyler Scott Wenrich, and Ryan Tyler Watson and expedite their release back to their respective states and families as soon as possible.”
Urging thorough inspection of luggage
The increase in such arrests also led the US State Department and the US Embassy in the Bahamas to issue a travel advisory, urging travelers to thoroughly inspect their luggage before taking a flight.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers may transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Meanwhile, ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but it may be transported in checked baggage.
Photo: Elliott Cowand Jr | Shutterstock
It is also worth noting that, according to the TSA, ammunition does not need to be declared in the US but must be securely packaged in checked baggage.
The TSA also states that travelers must check with their airline and read the guidelines regarding traveling with firearms on the US Customs and Border Protection website. These guidelines include information on ammunition, BB guns, compressed air guns, real firearms, gun and firearm parts, pellet guns, rifles, and starter pistols.

Related
Even Hold Bags Have Restrictions: These Items Are Not Allowed In Checked Luggage
Some equipment or devices that are considered prohibited may surprise you.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Let us know in the comments section below.