Hong Kong - Washington state Senator Jeff Wilson was arrested in Hong Kong Friday for possessing a firearm not licensed there, and related charges, a spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Wilson said in a statement that "it was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved shortly."

The Republican was embarking on a five-week personal vacation to South-East Asia when he departed Portland International Airport, said spokesperson Erik Smith, who could not confirm the date of departure or the airline Wilson used.

Smith said Wilson inadvertently packed a revolver in his carry-on bag. The gun was not spotted by security at the airport and Wilson only realized he had packed it when he was mid-flight and reached for some gum in his bag, Smith said.

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Once Wilson landed in Hong Kong, he alerted customs authorities to the gun, and was arrested.

He was jailed and later posted bail that was set at 20,000 of a currency that Smith could not confirm, though Hong Kong news outlet The Standard reported bail was 20,000 Hong Kong dollars – some $2,600.

Wilson has surrendered his passport and the firearm, Smith said. He is awaiting a hearing scheduled for October 30 and has legal counsel.

Smith said the gun is properly licensed and registered in the US, and that Wilson is taking the vacation at his personal expense and is not representing the state Senate. However, the politician was planning to meet with certain officials, such as officials with the port of Shanghai, Smith said. Wilson also sits on the commission of the Port of Longview.

"We are learning about the incident with Sen. Wilson at the same time as the press and public here in America," Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun, of Centralia, said in a statement.

"As I understand it, this was an honest mistake. I do not have any additional information to share at this point, but we are watching the situation closely. That said, I hope that this can be resolved in a timely manner."