Canadian Pivot Airlines crew, passengers given freedom from Dominican Republic

We learned on Friday that 12 Canadians detained in the Dominican Republic since last spring will return home.

Prosecutors in the case filed papers to release five airline crew members and seven passengers west of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Pivot Air is a Toronto-based company that charters passengers to fly to tropical islands. March 31st.

It must be certified by a judge, but it is considered a formality.

On April 5, as they prepared to return the group to Canada, a Pivot flight mechanic discovered eight duffel bags hidden in the avionics bay in the plane’s fuselage. The crew immediately notified local authorities. Contents of the bag: 210 kg of cocaine.

The crew and passengers had their passports confiscated and were placed in dire conditions in prisons in the Dominican Republic.

In an interview with W5, a female passenger said her cell was so small and crowded that her legs stretched over the bars when she slept lying on the concrete. They also claim they were punished for crying.

In the men’s prison, the crew said they were deprived of food and water for days and under constant threat.

The crew spent nine days in prison, 21 passengers were released on bail, but were barred from leaving the country. The crew has been trapped in the Dominican Republic since their detention 250 days ago, and authorities claim they are investigating how the cocaine got into the 50-seat jet.

The crew and passengers say they have never been questioned by Dominican authorities and have not been charged.

A document signed today outlines the end of what has been termed a “compulsory measure,” meaning the detention of 12 Canadians and the seizure of the plane. It is unclear how long it will take for the 12 Canadians to leave the country and return to Canada.

The crew hugged and cried incredulously during a joyous celebration at Pivot Air’s safehouse. In an emotional call to give his daughter the good news, Pivot Airlines pilot Rob DiBenanzo said tearfully.

Watch W5’s documentary Investigation Cocaine Air on December 10, 2022