sleepybeagle said:

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I forgot about a large hunting knife in my bad about 2 years ago. Made it through security and found it in the hotel. Checked my bag going back...but that was a close call.

I feel for this guy.

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randomly moved my pistol to my backpack one time; few weeks later, got to IAH and realized I was there early enough to get an earlier flight (Cancun), so my mind went to trying to rush to get to early flight - completely forgot pistol was in backpack. As soon as security conveyer stopped, i knew immediately why. TSA and local LEO said it happens all the time at IAH but usually when someone still has it on them. Lost my TSA pre-check :/ still wonder about what I would have done had it gotten through and I remembered mid-flight - no way in heck would I have wanted to bring that into mexico

12 years is insane and hopefully state dept or someone else steps in helps this guy get home

Plot twist: guy did this intentionally to get away from the ole battle axe at home.

aggieforester05 said:

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People that think anyone deserves 12 years in prison over forgotten ammo left in a bag are garbage human beings, that deserve to be thrown into a third world prison for 12 years. Absolutely disgusting to think that this is acceptable to do. Ruining his life, his wife's, and his children's lives over something that is absolutely useless without a firearm. Gun control advocates are amongst the worst people on earth.

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Sorry, but might have to just bust open the checkbook. I would say $100,000. And then make an insurance claim.

https://suntci.com/american-tourist-facing-years-for-ammo-possession-granted-bail-in-turks-p10786-129.htm

He has been granted bail, surrendered his passport, and must check in twice a week to a police station. Next court date is on June 7th. So he has some time to continue his vacation.

Quote:

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American tourist Ryan Watson who faces 12 years in Turks and Caicos Islands jail for illegally possessing four high calibre bullets, was granted $15,000 bail on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Supreme Court judge Tanya Lobban Jackson granted bail with one surety and ordered that 42-year-old Watson, a native of Oklahoma, surrender his travel documents and report twice weekly to the Grace Bay police station in Providenciales. He must return to court on June 7, 2024.

Prosecutor Tessja Mitchell did not object to bail and Watson's lawyer King's Counsel Oliver Smith, who appeared with Kimonne Tennant, said he was pleased with the Crown's collegial approach to the matter.

Watson, who spent the last several days on remand at police station in Providenciales, appeared in court dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and brown shoes.

After bail was granted, Watson grabbed his personal belongings in a supermarket bag from the police vehicle which brought him to the court, then had a lengthy conversation with his surety, local businessman Dellas Lightbourne and a few American friends who were in court. He declined comment.

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I'd pick up the phone and give them 24 hours to have him back in the U.S. or would ban all travel to this place and call on all our allies to do the same.

On a business trip to India, one of the guys I was traveling with had a 9mm bullet in his travel carry on found by airport security in Mumbai. He had used the bag prior to the trip to carry his gun and ammo to the pistol range in Houston and missed it when he was packing. The usual part was this was on the way home and we had already gone through security for 4 previous flights and it wasn't discovered. They let him go with a warning.

one safe place said:

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I'd pick up the phone and give them 24 hours to have him back in the U.S. or would ban all travel to this place and call on all our allies to do the same.

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I would not be surprised an iota if this admin decided to charge him for bringing it through security on the way to T&C; this admin and DOJ is that disgusting.

I posted this on a recent thread asking about Turks on the OB. T&C was the most disappointing vacation I have ever been on. The island is trash outside of a few nicer beaches and the people there were lazy and not particularly friendly (stayed at the Ritz Carlton in '22).

I would never go back to that dump and this thread confirms I never will.

Mas89 said:

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Just one more reason not to go to third world countries, including Mexico. And obviously T& C.

And if you do, find their biggest local supermarket and walk around long enough to see the big rats and unsanitary meat department. Flies, bugs, etc.

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A guy that obviously has never been to TCI.

fredfredunderscorefred said:

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one safe place said:

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I'd pick up the phone and give them 24 hours to have him back in the U.S. or would ban all travel to this place and call on all our allies to do the same.

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I would not be surprised an iota if this admin decided to charge him for bringing it through security on the way to T&C; this admin and DOJ is that disgusting.

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You are probably right. Best move he could make is to come out as LBTGQ+, identifies as black, anti-MAGA, America hating, anti-capitalist, democrat.

T&C intentionally changed their gun laws in 2022 to be stricter than a fine with a mandatory 12 year jail sentence. I guarantee you the government was looking forward to incoming shakedowns.

I have not, and do not intend to. Kid got real sick at Grand Cayman one year. Plenty of nice beaches in US so I'll pass on the foreign islands. Just seeing how Grand Cayman and many other islands treated COVID was enough for me. Why chance it? I've spent plenty of time in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean/ Atlantic Islands but have had enough of them. No mas.

Mas89 said:

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I have not, and do not intend to. Kid got real sick at Grand Cayman one year. Plenty of nice beaches in US so I'll pass on the foreign islands. Just seeing how Grand Cayman and many other islands treated COVID was enough for me. Why chance it? I've spent plenty of time in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean/ Atlantic Islands but have had enough of them. No mas.

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No Mas89.

A recent case from September of last year, with a that 12 year mandatory minimum sentence ended up being 8 months in prison. It was similar circumstances to this one, where the defended had ammo discovered in his bag upon leaving the country, 12 9mm rounds. The judge declared exceptional circumstances of the case warranted a lighter punishment.

A few other cases the tourist escaped with a fine, but in those circumstances the ammo / weapons were declared.


Though, just last month a couple of judges were taken to task for not sending offenders to prison.

https://magneticmediatv.com/2024/03/should-have-gone-stright-to-prison-three-high-court-judges-give-wrong-verdict-says-court-of-appeal/

There still is leeway for something other than 12 years in prison, but he may end up having to spend 12 months.

They are very well aware their economy is dependent upon tourism, but that is their reasoning for strict gun laws. A high crime rate will greatly damage their tourism business.

Quote:

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It must be remembered that the economies of these islands depend on tourism and international business. The use of firearms will' create a danger to the economy.

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Bullet in your glovebox crossing border will get you jail time. eff Mexico and eff Turks Caca.

If Elon would slap a warhead on his rockets would add another revenue stream, fire hose style.

Bubblez said:

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A recent case from September of last year, with a that 12 year mandatory minimum sentence ended up being 8 months in prison. It was similar circumstances to this one, where the defended had ammo discovered in his bag upon leaving the country, 12 9mm rounds. The judge declared exceptional circumstances of the case warranted a lighter punishment.

A few other cases the tourist escaped with a fine, but in those circumstances the ammo / weapons were declared.


Though, just last month a couple of judges were taken to task for not sending offenders to prison.

https://magneticmediatv.com/2024/03/should-have-gone-stright-to-prison-three-high-court-judges-give-wrong-verdict-says-court-of-appeal/

There still is leeway for something other than 12 years in prison, but he may end up having to spend 12 months.

They are very well aware their economy is dependent upon tourism, but that is their reasoning for strict gun laws. A high crime rate will greatly damage their tourism business.

Quote:

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It must be remembered that the economies of these islands depend on tourism and international business. The use of firearms will' create a danger to the economy.

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Strict gun laws only make their tourists and resident more likely to be victims of crime. The idea that strict gun laws will reduce crime is abundantly idiotic to say the least.

Al Bula said:

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Plot twist: guy did this intentionally to get away from the ole battle axe at home.

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Wanna get away?

I moved to Korea with my family in 2014 for work.

Our stuff was packed by a 3rd Party Company under the supervision of my wife while I was in Korea working.

We received everything about a month after we moved into the Condo in Korea and unpacked. Lived there for 7-8 months before being transferred to Australia.

As we're packing everything back up to move to Australia, I notice a box of mine that has gun paraphernalia... open it up and sure enough my pistol holster and 2 boxes of 9mm ammo.

Sheeeet. We're leaving the next day. Do I go out in the woods and bury it?

I decided to pack it. It would give me a month of ocean freight to decide what to do with it.

We get to Australia; move into our new condo. After 3-4 days sweating what to do, I notify the agent:

Agent says, "where are you from?"

Me: "Texas".

"Ah, Americans yes. Don't worry this happens way more often than you'd think..."

The agent let the Australian federal police know about the mistake. I fill out a form saying I dont want to claim it (otherwise it's 10 years prison and $400k AUD fine). No brainer.

Police opened the box at import and removed the contraband. No issues.

...

All that to say, I feel bad for the guy and I can empathize .

So not a firearm but rather 4 rounds of ammo?! This screams shake down for American dollars. Smart move for T&C as they are dealing with those that like to launder money.

T&C: Joe we need $5B gifted to us

Joe: Sure thing. Just make sure XYZ account gets half put into it. Now excuse me, it is time for some cream and a lid.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/turks-caicos-court-hearing-american-arrested-ammo-bag-could-set-new-precedent

Court hearing set. Three other Americans are also being detained for similar violations.

I'm getting married this summer and WONT be considering Turks and Caicos for my honeymoon. I messaged their general tourism contact and their Director of Tourism letting them know as well.

Their laws and the way they implement them obviously do NOTHING to stop contraband from entering the country or keeping their citizens safe. But they do a great job of incarcerating innocent tourists when they attempt to leave. This is a progressive power trip that will ultimate harm their citizens the most (as usual).

Their approach should be like what Spreadsheet mentioned, checking bags upon entry, not after-the-fact.

Of course this is their government's response to gang violence and gun violence in their territory.

Caribbean shakedown.

Decay said:

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So now liberals care about obeying laws in the country you arrive at?

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IndividualFreedom said:

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So not a firearm but rather 4 rounds of ammo?! This screams shake down for American dollars. Smart move for T&C as they are dealing with those that like to launder money.

T&C: Joe we need $5B gifted to us

Joe: Sure thing. Just make sure XYZ account gets half put into it. Now excuse me, it is time for some cream and a lid.

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I know some people that went through this in Jamaica. 1 shell casing found in one of the kids backpack. Parents were arrested, kids were allowed to leave. They made the mistake of giving their financial information to the authorities (they are very well off) and that resulted in a big shakedown. Their local congressman came down to there to negotiate the deal. They had to pay the Court, the Judge, and the police officers but they were allowed to leave after that and they got the hell outta there as quick as they could on the first flight back to the states.

RafterAg223 said:

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Bubblez said:

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..and now is facing 12 years in prison. I don't know why people think other countries should abide by our gun laws, or be given some sort of privilege to do as they please. If you travel, you really should know the stuff that could get yourself into big trouble.

Also, I'm sure many of those on the right that wanted Brittney Griner to rot away in a Russian prison will be wanting this guy rescued.

Quote:

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An American father is facing 12 years in prison in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was found in his luggage as he returned home from a vacation with his wife.

Ryan Watson, 40, has remained on the island for weeks following his arrest on April 11 alongside his wife Valerie, 38, who saw her charges dropped on Monday as she was allowed to return home to their two young children.

The couple said they were passing through airport security when four rounds of hunting ammo was found in Ryan's carry-on, which they claim were left by accident.

Valerie said she and her husband enjoyed a picturesque vacation for a friend's birthday on the Caribbean islands, but their trip quickly 'went from what was supposed to be a dream vacation to a nightmare.'

A small bag of bullets in a zip-lock bag were found in his luggage, which US TSA had missed on their departing flight, which Ryan said in an interview before his first court hearing that he 'recognized' immediately from a recent deer hunting trip.

'They were hunting ammunition rounds for white tail deer, and I recognized them and thought, "what a bonehead mistake,' he said. 'I had no idea that those were in there.'

The couple were forced to remain on the island as their passports were seized, as Ryan said officials brushed off his pleas that it was a 'complete innocent mistake.'

Despite their insistence that the ammunition was accidentally left from a previous hunting trip, Turks and Caicos prosecutors maintained that the crime is a serious offense in the nation. In 2022, the nation passed stricter laws that mandated a 12-year minimum sentence for ammunition possession.

Valerie through tears that when she heard the mandatory sentence, she was 'immediately terrified, because we can't be in prison for 12 years, we have kids at home.'

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13345369/Ryan-watson-Turks-Caicos-ammunition-luggage.html

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It sucks, but it's the law. Just like it's the law that you cannot come in to this country in illegal fashion. You aren't going to gotcha any conservatives with your trolling here. There are plenty of the laws in this country that people on your side choose to discard.

I think its absolutely usurious that a crime of this nature would carry this type of penalty, but it is what it is. Ignorance of what may or may not be in your bag when you travel does not exonerate you. I do find it interesting that the TSA, an absolute JV squad of incompetent "officers", just let this slide right on through the checkpoint. But heaven forbid you try to run through that area with 4 oz of lotion, half a bottle of ozarka, or a pair of scissors that are .1mm too long. But more government agencies like this one are the answers to every problem for you guys on the left.

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Oh ffs

Illegal aliens have intent

This is a stupid mistake

If a Mexican national accidentally crossed the border and was trying to cross back over to mexico, would we detain him and force him to stay?

What an asinine example and position.

Not Coach Jimbo said:

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RafterAg223 said:

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Bubblez said:

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..and now is facing 12 years in prison. I don't know why people think other countries should abide by our gun laws, or be given some sort of privilege to do as they please. If you travel, you really should know the stuff that could get yourself into big trouble.

Also, I'm sure many of those on the right that wanted Brittney Griner to rot away in a Russian prison will be wanting this guy rescued.

Quote:

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An American father is facing 12 years in prison in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was found in his luggage as he returned home from a vacation with his wife.

Ryan Watson, 40, has remained on the island for weeks following his arrest on April 11 alongside his wife Valerie, 38, who saw her charges dropped on Monday as she was allowed to return home to their two young children.

The couple said they were passing through airport security when four rounds of hunting ammo was found in Ryan's carry-on, which they claim were left by accident.

Valerie said she and her husband enjoyed a picturesque vacation for a friend's birthday on the Caribbean islands, but their trip quickly 'went from what was supposed to be a dream vacation to a nightmare.'

A small bag of bullets in a zip-lock bag were found in his luggage, which US TSA had missed on their departing flight, which Ryan said in an interview before his first court hearing that he 'recognized' immediately from a recent deer hunting trip.

'They were hunting ammunition rounds for white tail deer, and I recognized them and thought, "what a bonehead mistake,' he said. 'I had no idea that those were in there.'

The couple were forced to remain on the island as their passports were seized, as Ryan said officials brushed off his pleas that it was a 'complete innocent mistake.'

Despite their insistence that the ammunition was accidentally left from a previous hunting trip, Turks and Caicos prosecutors maintained that the crime is a serious offense in the nation. In 2022, the nation passed stricter laws that mandated a 12-year minimum sentence for ammunition possession.

Valerie through tears that when she heard the mandatory sentence, she was 'immediately terrified, because we can't be in prison for 12 years, we have kids at home.'

---

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13345369/Ryan-watson-Turks-Caicos-ammunition-luggage.html

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It sucks, but it's the law. Just like it's the law that you cannot come in to this country in illegal fashion. You aren't going to gotcha any conservatives with your trolling here. There are plenty of the laws in this country that people on your side choose to discard.

I think its absolutely usurious that a crime of this nature would carry this type of penalty, but it is what it is. Ignorance of what may or may not be in your bag when you travel does not exonerate you. I do find it interesting that the TSA, an absolute JV squad of incompetent "officers", just let this slide right on through the checkpoint. But heaven forbid you try to run through that area with 4 oz of lotion, half a bottle of ozarka, or a pair of scissors that are .1mm too long. But more government agencies like this one are the answers to every problem for you guys on the left.

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Oh ffs

Illegal aliens have intent

This is a stupid mistake

If a Mexican national accidentally crossed the border and was trying to cross back over to mexico, would we detain him and force him to stay?

What an asinine example and position.

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If any foreigner forgot he had bag of fentanyl in his luggage, and was caught in a security screen returning home, we would detain him.

Loose rounds of ammo without a firearm =/= (even remotely) to possession of Fentanyl without a valid medical reason.

Liberals are ridiculous people that should never be taken seriously.

This is like being thrown in prison for 12 years because some **** hole country had an obscure law making matches illegal and you forgot about a matchbook hiding in a deep crevice of your suitcase. Ammo alone has less potential for violence and destruction than the matchbook.

OP just getting teabagged. He said this board was a salty bunch. lol