‘It was really scary’
Now back in Canada, Bennett spoke with CBC Hamilton on Friday about his arrest. After being interrogated at the airport, he said officers took him along with another male and female couple facing similar charges to a pickup truck parked at the airport. “[They] loaded us in the pickup truck and drove us at speeds in excess of 130 kilometres an hour, roughly half hour outside of the airport to a compound,” Bennett recounted. “We were in the back of this vehicle with no seatbelts on. It was really scary.” Bennett mentioned there were around 15 to 20 individuals present, some wearing uniforms, at the compound where they were brought. Jane Wilcox and David Bennett spent a week at a resort in the Dominican Republic with two friends and were on their way home on March 7 when Bennett was denied entry at the automated customs gate at Punta Cana airport. (Submitted by Michelle Magee) “That’s when they brought a translator – a lady that could translate a little bit in English to us – and that’s when they told us the seriousness of what was in front of us.” After spending just over an hour there, Bennett said they were quickly returned to the airport where they waited for about two hours cramped inside a hot pickup before being taken to jail.‘Pitch black’ and no room to move in jail
Bennett described being placed into a “really small” cell with about 12 to 15 other men as more kept coming throughout that night. “It was pitch black. We really couldn’t see anyone’s faces coming in. We just saw body images of people coming in and we had no clue what we were dealing with,” he shared. “I literally sat in the corner for the whole time because it was standing room only. There was no room to lay down; there was no room to really move.” Bennett tried to stay optimistic, telling himself everything would be resolved by morning, thinking he just needed to “tough it out” for one night. “My goal was to fall asleep and just sort of forget about it and not think about it.” But unfortunately, this ordeal lasted much longer than one night. Bennett faced drug trafficking charges. He went to court on March 10 and got released after posting $5,000 bail but couldn’t leave due to an imposed travel ban. The charges against him were dropped around mid-April; however, he still faced restrictions preventing him from leaving. “I moved nine times in 71 days [and] I had this black cloud over my head throughout my stay,” he expressed.‘Landing back in Toronto was amazing’
Meanwhile, Wilcox worked tirelessly first trying to get her husband’s charges dismissed then ensuring his return home safely. On May 15 around 8 p. m. ET, they received news they’d been desperately waiting for over ten weeks long: Global Affairs Canada informed them via email that their travel ban had been lifted officially and all paperwork would be ready by morning as per Bennet’s words.He said his wife “booked a flight within 20 minutes” so he could come back home to Canada next day afternoon.
“Landing back in Toronto was amazing. We had an incredible approach flying over Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It turned out beautiful evening too so I got such nice views during landing-just touching down felt unbelievable,” said Bennett.
He missed many occasions like birthdays and anniversaries while stuck abroad but is relieved now being back home once again.
‘Project Nourish Dave’
Bennett mentioned reuniting with his wife family friends has been life-saving for him saying he’s happy being able sleep well finally since returning from there.”“I wasn’t sleeping well down there.. I felt exhausted during those first few days [after getting back] but am still experiencing some lingering tiredness every day now.”
“Our amazing circle has supported us through everything-it’s been quite hectic week-and I’m truly grateful just being here,” he added.
Likewise Wilcox feels relief knowing it’s finally behind them.
“I’m currently working on Project Nourish Dave right now! He lost weight while away so I’m excited about cooking healthy meals for him-we’re soaking up each moment together,” she mentioned during her chat with CBC News.
She believes Canadians deserve better support from embassies Global Affairs Canada overall.
“Things went wrong-they provided wrong information-not answering our inquiries either-it became extremely frustrating,” she stated.
A spokesperson stated Global Affairs Canada aims towards offering “effective efficient consular service” worldwide “Every case has unique circumstances thus assistance varies depending situation” “Our success depends greatly upon regulations laws foreign countries cooperation from parties organizations outside government.” The RCMP also reported its members continue investigating incidents relating specifically baggage tag switching aimed attempting smuggle illegal drugs contraband out across borders, In addition recent arrests made RCMP confirmed cooperating various foreign police partners gathering evidence which may assist ongoing investigations. For Wilcox remaining silver lining through hardship experience comes thanks community support received throughout journey. They’ve revealed costs reached close $85K fighting legal fees yet successfully raised nearly $55K thanks remarkable support received! “Now we’re discussing ways helping those finding themselves traumatic situations victims crimes.. looking forward exploring options healing together.”
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