FACT BRIEF

Are five Americans facing up to 12 years in prison in Turks and Caicos for bringing ammunition in their luggage?

Thursday, May 23, 2024

By Sue Bin Park

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YES

Five Americans, including a resident of Oklahoma, are currently facing up to 12 years in prison for having ammunition in their baggage during their trip to Turks and Caicos. All maintain they were unaware of ammunition in their bags at the time of arrest.

Lawmakers from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Oklahoma visited the islands on May 20, 2024 to speak with government officials. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin released a statement May 21, 2024 disclosing that the discussions were unsuccessful.

Firearm laws in Turks and Caicos were strengthened in 2022 to address rising rates of gun crime and trafficking. Courts cannot reduce sentences to a fine without a prison term, though the length of the term is discretionary. Bulletins from the U.S. State Department in 2023 warned Americans of the law and its 12-year penalty, advising travelers to check their bags before flying.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

AP News Arrests of US tourists in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition prompt plea from three governors

The Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Sen. Markwayne Mullin on X Statement on May 20, 2024 congressional delegation to Turks and Caicos

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