NASCAR star Kyle Busch addressed reports Monday that he was detained in Mexico late last month while returning from a vacation in Cancun.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said in a news release that a Nevada man identified only as «Kyle Thomas B» was arrested after the weapon was found. Authorities said Busch’s gun contained hollow point bullets. The incident occurred on January 27.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Toyota Bass Pro Shops, (C) winner, Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Chevrolet Get Bioethanol, (L) second place, and Kyle Busch, driver of the #3 Chevrolet BetMGM 8, third pose for photos on the podium after the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
«In late January, Samantha and I enjoyed a multi-day vacation in Mexico,» Busch said. «On leaving the country, my gun was marked during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all firearms laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting I was In my bag».
“The discovery of the gun led to my arrest while the situation was resolved. I did not know Mexican law and I had no intention of bringing my pistol to Mexico,” he continued.
«When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with authorities, accepted the sanctions and returned to North Carolina,» Busch added.
The #8 BetMGM Chevrolet, driven by Kyle Busch, is parked on the track during a break in the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
ROSS CHASTAIN’S ‘HAIL MELON’ MOVE TO HANG ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOUR WILL BE A NASCAR PENALTY IN 2023
«I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I close this matter.»
Busch is in his first season with Richard Childress Racing. He joined the team after he finished the 2022 season and ended his time with Joe Gibbs Racing.
He participated in Sunday’s Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum and finished in third place. Officials in Mexico said Busch was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and fined $1,100. However, there was no indication how Busch might serve his sentence.
Kyle Busch before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 5, 2023, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
For now, he’ll be gearing up for the Daytona 500, which will officially kick off the 2023 NASCAR season on February 19.