Five Americans facing prison time in Turks and Caicos
May 21, 2024, 9:20 AM
Google Maps displays the location of the Turks and Caicos Islands in relation to Miami. (Screenshot)
(Screenshot)
TURKS AND CAICOS — Five Americans have been charged with illegally taking ammunition into Turks and Caicos, the Associated Press reported. They could face a minimum of 12 years in prison.
The tourists have been arrested over the past several months.
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The island is a British territory that sits 600 miles from the coast of Miami, Florida.
The Associated Press reported that Turks and Caicos strengthened its gun laws in 2022. The stricter laws were meant to prevent gun violence and weapon trafficking on the island.
U.S. lawmakers speak with Turks and Caicos officials
A group of U.S. lawmakers traveled to there earlier this week to meet with island officials. CNN reported that the bipartisan group called for leniency against the American tourists.
The U.S. lawmakers met with a group of island officials that included the island’s attorney general, minister of tourism, and police officials, per CNN.
In a press release, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R- OK said that the tourists were well-meaning. They “inadvertently” brought the ammunition with them.
According to CNN, the lawmakers have faced resistance from island officials. Mullin said that the group was unable to reach a deal with island officials.
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