Five Americans Arrested for Carrying Ammunition to Turks and Caicos
Since February, five Americans have been arrested for illegally transporting ammunition from the US to the Turks and Caicos Islands, bypassing airport security with live rounds in their hand luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) admitted to an “oversight” and launched an investigation in May. Two months later, the agency concluded it still does not know how the ammunition went undetected.
Unexplained security breaches
The TSA admitted its inability to explain the breaches, citing a lack of information and video footage. “Under US regulation, ammunition is banned from carry-on bags,” a TSA spokesperson told The Independent. Despite this, ammunition can be transported in checked luggage under specific conditions.
Arrests and Legal Consequences
In Turks and Caicos, where gun laws are stringent, those found with firearms or ammunition can face up to 12 years in prison. The five Americans arrested include:
- Tyler Wenrich, 31, of Virginia, carried two 9mm rounds through Richmond International Airport and onto a Royal Caribbean cruise.
- Ryan Watson, 40, of Oklahoma, transported four high-caliber hunting rounds through Will Rogers World Airport.
- Sharitta Grier, 45, of Florida, carried two rounds through Orlando Airport, where TSA confiscated her lotion but missed the ammunition.
All five individuals pleaded guilty and paid fines, with four returning to the US. Grier remains in custody, awaiting sentencing on July 11.
TSA’s response and future actions
Following the arrests, the TSA initiated an investigation but failed to determine how the ammunition evaded detection. In response to inquiries, the TSA emphasized its commitment to security but acknowledged its shortcomings in these instances.
Rep. Garret Graves, chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, expressed concern about the TSA’s lapses, noting the potential dangers despite the lack of accompanying firearms.
Call for vigilance
The TSA urged travelers to thoroughly check their hand luggage before traveling to avoid carrying prohibited items inadvertently. “Loose ammunition can be easily missed in a carry-on/checked bag when a firearm is not present,” the spokesperson said, recommending travelers pack with an empty bag to prevent such incidents.
As the TSA faces scrutiny, the importance of stringent security measures and traveler awareness remains paramount to ensure the safety of air travel.