Skip to Content

Well-Known NASCAR Driver Arrested With Gun In Cancun Airport 

Share The Article

Last Updated

A number of Americans have been caught with firearms at Cancun International Airport over the last year, but the most recent case involves a well-known American NASCAR driver.  Kyle Busch, a champion race car driver, was caught with a .38 caliber handgun and hollow tip ammunition in his luggage at Cancun Airport.  He was quickly arrested following the discovery.

**Update 2-6-23**
In a statement released by Kyle Busch, it has been revealed that Mr. Busch returned to North Carolina after being detained in Cancun, Mexico. In the statement, Mr. Busch says that he had forgotten the firearm was in his bag and never had any intention of bringing it into Mexico. Mr. Busch says he and his family consider the matter closed, implying he will not be serving any jail time.

Kyle Busch at a Race in 2018

Trouble At The Cancun Airport FBO Terminal 

According to reports, Busch was at a private terminal, or FBO terminal, at Cancun Airport, preparing to return to the United States on January 27th.  An FBO is a “fixed base operator,” which is essentially a company that offers private flights.  Airports, in this case, Cancun International Airport, give these operators access to the airport’s premises in order for them to provide private charters.   

People Waiting at Baggage Claim at Cancun Airport.

The Discovery Of The Firearm 

While Kyle Busch was at the airport, private security officials became suspicious and alerted the National Guard of the possibility that he had a firearm.  Upon searching, it was found that there was, in fact, an unlicensed firearm, along with a magazine loaded with hollow point bullets, which are designed to cause more damage.  The National Guard arrested Busch when the weapon and ammunition were discovered. 

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

Passengers arriving at Cancun Airport

A Well-Known Racing Family   

Kyle Busch comes from a family of race car drivers, including an older brother, Kurt Busch, who he reportedly is not that close to.  Both brothers have won various racing championships in the United States, but Kurt Busch is now retired.  Kyle Busch, who is originally from the state of Nevada and raced his first race in 2004, has won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races. 

Kyle Busch’s Racing Career 

Kyle Busch, who is currently 37 years old, has been racing with Joe Gibbs Racing since 2008 but announced at the end of the 2022 season that he would be switching teams. 

Sentencing Of Kyle Busch 

According to reports, following the arrest, an investigation was opened, and the arrest was found to be a legitimate arrest.  Two days after the arrest, a Federal Public Ministry Agent presented Kyle Busch to a judge, and the judge issued a sentence.  Mr. Busch was fined more than 27,000 pesos, which is almost $1,100 USD, and was looking at potential jail time. However, at 5 pm on 2/6/23, Mr. Busch released a statement saying that he is now back home in North Carolina, meaning jail time has likely been avoided.

Cancun Airport with an airplane sitting on the tarmac and a truck nearby.

Past Run-Ins With The Law   

This is not Kyle Busch’s first run-in with law enforcement, as he has been cited a number of times for reckless driving and, in 2011, even lost his license for a period of 30 days for driving 128 mph in a 45 mph zone.  He was also accused of assault in a separate incident.

Tourists Checking in at Cancun Airport, waiting in line and talking on the phone.

Mexico Law Regarding Firearms   

In Cancun and in the rest of Mexico, it is illegal for anyone but law enforcement and military officials to carry firearms.  Citizens and legal foreign residents are allowed to get permits to have a gun in their home but are not allowed to leave the house with them without a special license that is typically only given to military or police agents or private security officials.  Entering the country with a firearm without the proper permit is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties


↓ Join the community ↓

The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean

the-cancun-Sun-facebook-group

Subscribe to our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.


Idontcare

Monday 6th of February 2023

Must be nice to have money and fame so you can get away with international firearms smuggling.

billy D

Tuesday 7th of February 2023

@Idontcare,

lol that was a dumb statement. Also, you do know Mexico is a flaming garbage dump and having a gun for a rich person only makes sense.

Jorge Acosta

Monday 6th of February 2023

Interesting article BUT....it doesn't say WHERE he is to spend time, in México or USA?

Jim seiger

Monday 6th of February 2023

@Jorge Acosta, nowhere. He's back in the US and there is a no chance they extradite him to a Mexican prison.

Steve Krakowski

Monday 6th of February 2023

Is this for real?

Bonnie

Monday 6th of February 2023

This article makes no sense as Kyle Busch was racing in the US last night. Not sure what to make of this?

Phil

Monday 6th of February 2023

@Bonnie, um, article clearly says "According to reports, Busch was at a private terminal, or FBO terminal, at Cancun Airport, preparing to return to the United States on January 27th."