An American tourist named Tyler Wenrich faced a fine of $9,000 ( £7,040) in the Turks and Caicos Islands for carrying ammunition in his backpack.
He could have been sentenced to 12 years in prison, but instead, he just had to pay the fine. This incident is part of a larger trend where multiple American tourists have been stuck in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was found in their luggage.
The country passed a law in 2022 mandating a 12-year minimum sentence for such cases due to increased homicides linked to international crime, gangs, and drug trafficking.
Despite this law, none of the American tourists have received the mandatory minimum sentence so far. Tyler Wenrich pleaded guilty and will be able to leave the territory after paying the fine.
Similar cases involve other American tourists who unknowingly had ammunition in their bags and are facing legal proceedings or fines.
This situation has caused distress for the tourists and highlights the strict laws and consequences in the Turks and Caicos Islands regarding ammunition possession.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgll0lxpj7lo