Burlington man detained in Dominican Republic on ‘bogus’ drug charges

A Burlington man has been stuck in the Dominican Republic after airport authorities claimed a bag full of drugs belonged to him. His wife and friends say it’s impossible the bag is his.

David Bennett, his wife Jane Wilcox and another couple were on vacation in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from Feb. 28 to March 7.

While going through customs at the Punta Cana airport for their return flight, David was separated from the group and taken into an interrogation room. Wilcox and the other two travellers passed through screening without issue.

Authorities showed Bennett and Wilcox photos of a bag marked with the name “Davi Benett” and the airport code PUJ. They claimed the bag must belong to him, despite the fact that it did not match his travel documents, which all read “David R. Bennett.”

The couple tried to explain to airport authorities that they had never seen the bag before, and it couldn’t possibly belong to Mr. Bennett.

Police did not accept the explanation, and proceeded to detain and charge him with possession of marijuana and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Wilcox was told to leave and has returned to Canada, where she is now fighting to have her husband returned to the country.

She has filed a case with Global Affairs Canada, who has confirmed they’re aware of Bennett’s arrest. In an email, a spokesperson said they are “in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance.”

Burlington MP Karina Gould’s office said they’re aware of the situation as well.

“Our office has been in touch with Mrs. Wilcox and is aware of her husband’s […] situation in Punta Cana,” the MP’s office said in a statement.

“We have reached out to Global Affairs Canada on her behalf, and they are currently investigating the matter while maintaining direct communication with the immediate family. We hope his case will be resolved promptly.”

In an email, a friend of the couple said Bennett attended a court hearing in the Dominican on March 10, after which he was released on bail.

He is currently staying in a hotel and is preparing for his next hearing in late March.

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