Holiday warning for popular island destination: Fifth tourist arrested at airport in violation of strict baggage rules

DON’T jump the gun with what you take with you on vacation.

If you’re not careful, your journey may end, not with a slap on the wrist, but with handcuffs on your wrists.

A fifth American tourist was arrested Monday for carrying ammunition in his luggage to the Turks and Caicos Islands airport.

The arrest came just weeks after another American traveler arrested in the Caribbean made headlines for the same offense.

Turks and Caicos Islands police told CBS News that the unidentified American was arrested at Howard Hamilton International Airport “after ammunition was allegedly found during a routine security check.”

Details about the tourist’s identity remain unclear.

Four of the five detained Americans claimed to have brought the ammunition by accident.

Ryan Watson, an Oklahoma father of two, was arrested in April after Turks and Caicos airport security found ammunition in his luggage.

Although Watson is currently on bail, he is relegated to the British island as his case progresses through court.

Watson faces a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.

Tyler Wenrich, a Virginia paramedic and father of an 18-month-old son, was also arrested in April before boarding a cruise ship.

Like Watson, Wenrich faces a potential 12-year prison sentence after police found two bullets in his luggage.

Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania man arrested for possessing ammunition in his luggage in February, is currently awaiting trial.

“I then spent eight nights in their local jail,” Hagerich told CBS News.

“Some of the darkest, hardest times of my life, honestly.”

The island has prosecuted eight tourists since November 2022 for possession of firearms and ammunition.

Check your luggage carefully for lost ammunition or forgotten weapons before leaving the United States.

US Department of State

Although possession of ammunition (including stray bullets) or a firearm is illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands, visitors could previously pay a fine.

A court order proposed in February required tourists to risk jail time in addition to a fine.

In April, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory urging Americans traveling to the island to be diligent with their luggage.

“Check your luggage carefully for lost ammunition or forgotten weapons before leaving the United States,” they warned.

“Declaring a weapon in your baggage to an air carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands and will result in your arrest.”

“TSA screening in the United States may not identify ammunition in your baggage; it is your responsibility to ensure that your baggage is free of ammunition and/or firearms.”