An American couple, Ryan and Valerie Watson, are facing up to 12 years in prison in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was found in their carry-on bag at the airport. The Watsons were traveling home from a vacation and were arrested after the ammunition was discovered. The couple, who have two young children, claim that the ammunition was unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a hunting trip and was not noticed by American security. The U.S. Embassy had issued a travel alert in 2023 warning Americans not to bring ammunition to the islands, and the penalty for doing so is a minimum of 12 years in prison.
Valerie Watson was released from jail in Turks and Caicos, but Ryan remains in custody with no set timetable for bail or trial. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to help cover the mounting legal fees and living expenses associated with their situation. The page describes the legal system in Turks and Caicos as unfamiliar, daunting, and expensive. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirmed Ryan’s arrest and stated that he was charged with possession of ammunition. He was granted bail under certain conditions, including surrendering his passport and reporting to the police station twice a week.
Ryan Watson is scheduled to appear in court for a sufficiency hearing on June 7th, where the details of his case will be reviewed. The GoFundMe page emphasizes the emotional and financial toll that the situation has taken on the Watson family, stating that they are at risk of losing everything. The family’s supporters are urged not to reach out directly to TCI government officials during this time. The page also mentions that the legal system in Turks and Caicos operates differently from the American justice system, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The Watson family maintains that they made a mistake and are seeking support from the community to navigate the legal challenges they are facing. Americans are warned to carefully check their luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before traveling to Turks and Caicos. The U.S. Embassy had issued a travel alert specifically cautioning against bringing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons to the islands. The Watsons are being assisted by legal counsel as they navigate the intricacies of the legal system in an effort to secure Ryan’s release and reunite the family.
The case of the Watson family serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from inadvertently violating laws in a foreign country. The couple’s situation highlights the importance of being knowledgeable about local laws and regulations while traveling abroad. The GoFundMe page details the stress and uncertainty that the family is facing as they work to secure Ryan’s release and find a resolution to their unexpected legal issues in Turks and Caicos.
