TCI: US Tourist Fined $9,000 For Bullets In Backpack

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS – American tourist Tyler Wenrich avoided further jail time in Turks and Caicos after being arrested for bringing ammunition into the country. He was instead fined $9,000.

Wenrich, who had two 9mm rounds in his backpack, pleaded guilty and explained the ammunition was accidentally left after a gun range visit. He served three weeks in jail, which covered his sentence, and can leave once the fine is paid.

Ammunition charges in Turks and Caicos carry a potential 12-year minimum sentence, introduced after a spike in crime. However, no US citizen has received this sentence yet. Four other Americans have faced similar charges recently.