United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Couple detained in Caribbean over bullets in bag
An Oklahoma man is facing a long stretch in prison in the Caribbean after admitting a ‘bonehead mistake.’
Ryan and Valerie Watson enjoyed a 40th birthday vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands without incident.
However, when checking in for their return flight home, the couple were detained.
A security scan found a bag of bullets in Ryan Watson’s bag.
These were there by mistake from a previous hunting trip, the Watsons said.
Both were detained on the British Overseas Territory for two weeks but Valerie Watson has now been allowed to return home.
Her husband is still in the Turks and Caicos with his passport confiscated.
The Watsons were questioned and then charged with possession of ammunition.
The offense has a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 12 years.
Last year the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas updated its travel advice due to the conviction of an American found with ammo in a bag.
“Check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing for TCI. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” it said.
“You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures.”
Another American, Bryan Hagerich, is currently in TCI awaiting a first court appearance on a similar charge when bullets were found in his bag.
He has been unable to leave the country for more than two months.
A GoFundMe appeal has raised nearly $200,000 for the Watsons.
Related News Stories:
Related News Stories: Man detained after ammo found in bag during Turks and Caicos trip ... U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks ... News about the American couple arrested. : r/TurksAndCaicos American arrested in Thailand over death of Australian tourist US tourists face 12 years in prison for accidentally bringing ammo to ... Turks and Caicos ammo arrests: Virginia man charged – NBC Boston Brit detained in Thailand for posting fake restaurant reviews Turks and Caicos ammunition law: Another tourist arrested – NBC ... 5th American tourist arrested at Turks and Caicos airport after ammo ... Father facing 12 years in Caribbean jail for 'mistakenly' carrying ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel