The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas had issued a travel alert in September 2023 warning Americans not to bring ammunition to the islands, stating that the penalty for doing so is a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years. The Watsons insist that they made a terrible mistake and that they were not aware that they were carrying ammunition. Valerie Watson was released from jail on Tuesday, but Ryan Watson remains in custody. He has been charged with one count of ammunition possession and granted $15,000 bail under the condition that he does not travel outside the islands, surrenders his passport, reports to the police station twice a week, and resides at a specific address. Ryan Watson is due back in court for a “sufficiency” hearing on June 7. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover mounting legal fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with the situation.
Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison for carrying ammunition in Turks and Caicos airport
