Canadian Airline Crew Detained After Drug Seizure in Dominican Republic

A Canadian airline crew was among those detained at the Punta Cana International Airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, after over 200 packages of presumed cocaine were seized on their Toronto-bound aircraft, officials said.

According to a press release issued by the country’s National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) on April 6, authorities detained nine Canadians, an Indian, and a Dominican to “determine their possible involvement” in the shipment.

“An extensive investigation process has been initiated around this case. The Public Ministry, assisted by DNCD agents, are working hard to clearly establish who is directly linked to the seizure of the substance,” wrote officials.

The press release said the 200 seized packages were sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences to “determine the exact type and weight of the substance.”

CTV News reported Pivot Airlines, the aircraft operator, said five crew members discovered and reported the contraband while grounded at the Punta Cana airport on April 5.

On April 12, Pivot Airlines said the Dominican court had “decided to improve the conditions for [their] crew, and have outlined a process for their eventual release from detention,” according to CTV News.

Storyful has reached out to Pivot Airlines for comment.

This video shared by the DNCD on April 6 shows video and photos of the drug seizure. Credit: The National Directorate for Drug Control via Storyful