Mississauga airline warns about Dominican Republic travel after passengers, crew jailed
Published May 3, 2022 at 2:19 pm
The operators of a Mississauga airline have warned travelers about heading to the Dominican Republic following a police investigation there that has led to the jailing of a flight crew and passengers.
Five crew members of Pivot Airlines and seven passengers have since been released on bail but are not allowed to leave the country as authorities in the Caribbean island nation continue their investigation into the April 5 incident when a large cache of drugs were found hidden onboard the flight destined for Pearson Airport.
“The continued prosecution and credible threats to the lives of our crew in the Dominican Republic raise serious concerns for all those travelling to the country, including those considering vacationing in the Dominican Republic,” Pivot said in a statement. “We believe this incident should cause all travellers to consider making alternative travel plans.”
A union representing airline workers and an association of pilots have also warned travelers to be cautious about traveling to the Dominican.
“Our members followed the rules and did everything by the book, and yet this still happened, which is gravely concerning,” said CUPE Airline Division President Wesley Lesosky. “The continued threats and prosecution of the Pivot Airlines crew raises serious concerns for all Canadian travelers and employees travelling to and working in the Dominican Republic.”
The drama unfolded before the flight was scheduled to return on April 5 when a crew member discovered the drugs hidden on the plane alerted authorities.
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A search of the plane by Dominican officials found a large quantity of cocaine with a street value of $18 million. The crew and passengers have been detained ever since as the investigation continues.
Last week all 11 people were released on bail but are not allowed to leave the country.
Global Affairs Canada said it is aware of the incident and are monitoring the situation dealing with policing authorities in the Dominican.
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