Firearm Found in American Businessman’s Luggage at PGIA

Police say they exercised discretion after an American businessman was briefly detained at Philip Goldson International Airport over the weekend when security scanners detected a firearm in his luggage.

According to authorities, the man told officers he had forgotten the weapon was in his bag. After background checks and consultations with U.S. officials, police decided to release him and confiscate the firearm.

Assistant Superintendent Smith confirmed the incident and explained the decision. “Thorough checks were done, and communications with the U.S. Embassy confirmed he was not a person of interest. A decision was made to release him and confiscate the firearm by way of an exercise of discretion,” Smith said.

She added that the man had arrived on a private flight a day earlier to conduct business. “Given that by all indications I don’t believe someone would present themself to scanning knowing they had a firearm, the story he provided was feasible. He was cautioned and reprimanded and allowed to leave,” Smith explained.

Pressed on whether police have authority to exercise discretion in cases where the law mandates Supreme Court bail, Smith responded, “There is room for the exercise of discretion. Police officers have been exercising discretion for quite some time.”