State Department Responds as Man Faces 15 Years in Jamaica Jail for Bullets
A dad from Georgia says he accidentally left ammunition in his backpack before a Jamaica trip. He now faces 15 years in prison.
Igor Andrusceak, a Georgia father, faces a potential 15-year prison sentence in Jamaica after accidentally traveling with 30 rounds of ammunition in his carry-on backpack. The State Department informed Newsweek that embassy staff provided all appropriate consular assistance. Andrusceak, a small-business owner from Athens, Georgia, forgot that two loaded magazines were in his regularly used backpack.
TSA screeners at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport failed to detect the magazines. Jamaica's firearms law mandates a minimum 15-year sentence for unauthorized possession of ammunition, including a single cartridge. The Trump Administration prioritizes the safety and security of Americans. Andrusceak claims he emptied the backpack before leaving for Jamaica but two magazines remained hidden.
He feels foolish for his mistake and hopes surveillance footage and TSA records will support his account. The family enjoyed their vacation until they returned to Jamaica, where they were arrested upon returning from Montego Bay. Andrusceak's attorney secured a bond, allowing him to return to Georgia while the case continues. His sentencing is set for October.
The U.S. Embassy assists Americans subject to foreign laws, and Americans must abide by local laws when traveling overseas. The State Department encourages travelers to research foreign laws before international trips. Andrusceak's legal troubles have created a crisis for his family, with him borrowing money and selling possessions to cover legal expenses.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
