NASCAR's Kyle Busch Detained in Mexico in January After Gun Found in Bag at Airport

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was detained by authorities in Mexico last month after a handgun was found in his luggage at an airport.

Per TMZ Sports, Busch said that the incident occurred at the end of his vacation with his wife Samantha in late January. He said he didn't realize until going through the security screening that he accidentally had the firearm in his bag. While he has a valid permit for concealed carry in the U.S., Mexican authorities detained him.

"I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico," he said in a statement on Monday. "When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with the authorities, accepted the penalties, and returned to North Carolina."

In a statement released on Friday, prosecutors in Quintana Roo declared that the defendant, identified only as "Kyle Thomas 'B'" from the state of Nevada, has received a fine and a sentence of three-and-a-half years in prison following an investigation into the Jan. 27 incident.

However, Busch's statement on Monday did not discuss any prison sentence.

"I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter," the 37-year-old said. "My family and I consider this issue closed."

On Sunday, Busch placed third in the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles. Next up on the Cup Series schedule is the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16.