Ontario man recounts ordeal after being stuck in Dominican Republic on ‘bogus’ drug charges
An Ontario man who was arrested in the Dominican Republic over accusations of smuggling drugs is sharing his harrowing 71-day ordeal in the Caribbean country. David Bennett, 57, returned home to Burlington on May 16 after weeks of intense lobbying by Canadian government officials and others, led by his wife Jane Wilcox, saw his charges withdrawn.
The couple had spent a week at a resort with two friends and were on their way home on March 7 when Bennett was denied entry at the automated customs gate at the Punta Cana airport and taken to an interrogation room. The two were shown a photo of a bag they didn’t recognize, with a slightly different name on it: Davi Bennett instead of David R. Bennett — the name on Bennett’s bag and all his travel documents. Wilcox had previously told CBC News in March that the charges were “bogus.”
Bennett recounted his arrest to CBC Hamilton on Friday, detailing the frightening experience. After the interrogation at the airport, officers took Bennett, another male, and a female couple facing similar accusations to a pickup truck in the airport’s parking lot. They were driven at high speeds to a compound outside the airport, where they were met by 15 to 20 people, some in uniform. A translator informed them of the seriousness of the situation they were facing.
Following a brief stay at the location, they were taken back to the airport and kept in the back of a hot and stuffy pickup truck for two hours before being transferred to a jail facility. Bennett described the jail cell as “really small” and overcrowded, with no room to move or lay down. Despite the grim conditions, Bennett tried to stay positive, hoping the situation would be resolved quickly.
However, the ordeal lasted much longer than expected. Bennett was charged with drug trafficking, taken to court, and released on $5,000 bail. He was unable to leave the Dominican Republic due to a travel ban and had his passport held by local authorities. The charges were eventually withdrawn in mid-April, but the travel ban remained in place.
Wilcox worked tirelessly to have the charges dropped and bring her husband home. After more than 10 weeks of pressing for his release, Bennett was finally informed that the travel ban had been lifted, and he could return to Canada. Upon landing in Toronto, Bennett expressed relief and gratitude for being back home with his loved ones.
Wilcox, who had been advocating for her husband’s release, emphasized the importance of community support throughout the ordeal. The family incurred significant costs in fighting the charges, but the outpouring of support helped alleviate the financial burden. They are now considering ways to assist others who may find themselves in similar situations.
The RCMP continues to investigate cases involving incidents of baggage tag switching schemes, collaborating with foreign police partners to gather evidence related to these investigations. While the experience was challenging, Bennett and Wilcox are grateful for the support they received and are focused on healing and moving forward.
