American Tourist Faces 12 Years for Loose Ammo

in 2nd Amendment – R2KBA, Current Events, This Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Warning for American tourists, particularly those of us who exercise our 2A rights, a recent incident in the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos underscores the severe consequences of inadvertently packing ammunition in luggage.

An American tourist, currently detained, faces up to 12 years in prison after airport security discovered ammo in his carry-on bag!

The case came to light following a CBS Evening News report by Chris Van Cleave, highlighting the repercussions of such an oversight amid strict local laws.

The incident unfolded as Ryan Watson, the detained tourist and a father of two, was preparing to return home from what was meant to be a relaxing vacation.

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Instead, he found himself facing a potential mandatory minimum sentence due to the possession of four rounds of hunting ammunition found by airport security.

This distressing situation was particularly shocking for Valerie Watson, Ryan’s wife, who experienced a tearful reunion at the Oklahoma City Airport.

“Just getting to hold them again, it just filled my mom heart,” she said, while hugging her children.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ryan noted that their intention was never to transport ammunition, emphasizing the innocence of their mistake.

“We were trying to pack board shorts and flip-flops. Packing ammunition was not at all our intent,” he told CBS Evening News.

Valerie had been cleared of charges and was allowed to depart. Ryan has to stay behind to face the legal proceedings.

The gravity of the situation is compounded by a change in the local legal environment in Turks and Caicos. Previously, tourists found with ammunition could resolve the matter through fines.

However, a court order issued in February revised these leniencies, mandating prison time for tourists caught with ammunition, even as they attempt to leave the country.

This incident prompted the U.S. Embassy to issue a travel alert last September, advising tourists traveling to Turks and Caicos to meticulously check their luggage for loose ammo before departure.

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The stern warning highlights the potentially life-altering consequences of such oversights.

“I can’t even begin to think that this very innocent, regrettable mistake would prevent me from being able to watch my son graduate or teach him to shave or take my daughter to dances,” Ryan Watson said, fighting back tears. “It’s just unfathomable. I do not — I can’t process it.”

The takeaway is simple: always double-check your stuff before traveling. Even small mistakes can lead to serious consequences, especially in places that hate guns and the 2A.

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  • Clint W. April 27, 2024, 6:35 am

    When I run out of places to drive to and visit in the US, I will still not want to take a trip to a foreign country. I did that once already, and had no problem with having guns and ammo in my possession almost all the time. It was all open carry too!

  • Charles Valenzuela April 26, 2024, 3:51 pm

    Life is hard. It’s even harder when you are careless, or stupid, or both.

    • LJ April 26, 2024, 5:21 pm

      It’s so refreshing to know there are perfect people like you out there that never make mistakes. Every heard of ‘karma’?

      • Charles Valenzuela April 26, 2024, 5:32 pm

        Yes. Don’t confuse karma with stupidity and carelessness, though. Karma works BOTH ways, as well. I’m 76. Karma will need to hurry up if it wants to catch me.

        • LJ April 26, 2024, 6:23 pm

          Careful what you wish for …

          • MAC October 1, 2024, 11:36 pm

            Same to you buddy.

  • Bob Wieland April 26, 2024, 2:12 pm

    I wonder how much the Biden Reich had to do with the increase in punishment.

  • RoJo April 26, 2024, 1:59 pm

    Violent crime in the TCI has exploded
    in recent years, rival drug factions routinely shoot it out with one another and homicides there have increased 800% since 2017.
    The local police there are ill equipped to deal these violent criminals yet they are choosy to prosecute someone who clearly had no criminal intent.

  • Joe April 26, 2024, 12:50 pm

    This was an innocent oversight. Ammo does no good without the gun. We need to teach these little piss ant countries not to screw with an american. I say we blow that little island right out of the water.

  • Larry April 26, 2024, 12:38 pm

    A few things: 1) The ATF screwed up for not finding the ammo before boarding 2) Never use your range bag for travel. Loose rounds can easily end up there, and at some airports they screen bags for explosives/gunpowder residue. Have a dedicated range bag. 3) The US should immediately secure the release of this man and if not, the State Dept should issue a travel ban for all Americans to T&C. They will change their tune when their economy dries up overnight. The guy in question screwed up but a night in jail and a fine would be appropriate. This is a draconian penalty.

  • BR April 26, 2024, 11:53 am

    This article leaves out that the judge is going after a longer sentence because he is an American and he wants to make an example. Well if they want stiffer penalties for Americans that have clearly just made a mistake, they will have them for other things too. T and C is off the list for me.

  • DF April 26, 2024, 9:28 am

    Just stop traveling to countries that don’t appreciate our money being spent in their countries when it comes to an honest mistake. Unbelievable how people have been brainwashed into being subjects in this day and age.

  • LJ April 26, 2024, 8:57 am

    Unbelievable! Obviously this was an accident and the family is devastated. Yes, this was potentially dangerous had one of those rounds accidently detonated due to mishandling. But the odds are against that ever happening were slim to none.

    As someone that has worked for a major airline for over 40 years, I can tell you this happens more frequently than you can imagine. Loose ammo has been found in seatback pockets because a passenger realized it was in their carry-on bag, and being afraid to bring it to a flight attendants attention, drop it in the seatback pouch… It happens. If he were trying to smuggle in a firearm I could understand the severity of this punishment. But to totally destroy a young mans’ life and his family over a couple rounds of forgotten hunting ammo is absolutely deciduous. A heavy fine would be in order instead and no doubt just as an effective punishment.

    I call on ALL Americans to boycott “Turds & Chaos”, at least until they release this young man.

  • Lurch April 24, 2024, 6:53 pm

    Everyone seems to be missing the point that if it was in his carry on he had to pass through security in the US at least once to get on the flight there and it was missed here.

    • Kane April 25, 2024, 9:40 am

      From the video, it was mentioned that often in US citizen’s luggage prohibited items are found when try to return to the US. I guess its through customs where there is more scruting for duties etc. In the past a fine was paid but now the government wants jailtime.

      I believe the all 2A supporting Americans should never go to this supposed Carribean “paradise.” BOYCOTT Turks and Caicos. Also, beware of crossing the border in the North of the US. You are OK to the South if you enter illegally.

  • paul I'll call you what I want/1st Amendment April 24, 2024, 4:27 pm

    where’s the state dept and whitehouse trying to arrange for his return?

  • Kane April 24, 2024, 3:11 pm

    Meanwhile China and Mexico manufactor and smuggle into the US fentanyl and what does the WH do?. They open the US borders. This administration wants American to die, the replacement facts.

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