American tourist Bryan Hagerich was released on a 12-month suspended sentence and fined $6,700 in Turks and Caicos, while four others still await sentencing. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has warned that no ammunition, firearms, or weapons are allowed in the country, with a minimum 12-year sentence for anyone found with such items. Tourists are advised to declare weapons in their luggage but authorities cannot secure their release if detained.
Sharitta Grier, Ryan Watson, Tyler Wenrich, and Michael Lee Evans, all American tourists, have been detained in Turks and Caicos for possession of ammunition. Grier and Wenrich were arrested after ammunition was found in their luggage during routine checks, while Watson was granted bail under strict conditions. Evans, released on bail due to health reasons, awaits sentencing next month.
U.S. lawmakers visited Turks and Caicos seeking the release of the detained Americans, with Rep. Guy Reschenthaler advocating for the return of the remaining four tourists. The crackdown on firearms in Turks and Caicos began in 2022, leading to harsh penalties for those found with ammunition. As more Americans visit the island, incidents of stray bullets in luggage have resulted in their detention. The situation highlights the strict gun laws in the country and the consequences for violating them.
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