Latest news with #BurlingtonPost
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
RCMP investigating drug smuggling ‘scheme' that turned Burlington man's Caribbean vacation into a nightmare
After two months and eight days detained in the Dominican Republic, Burlington's David Bennett returned home last Friday night. 'It's been a magical reunion and we've really been focused on rest, recovery and connecting with family, friends and the forest,' Bennett's wife Jane Wilcox said on Tuesday, May 20, adding the couple went on some short hikes over the Victoria Day long weekend with their dog, Jada. Bennett arrived home shortly after 7 p.m. May 16, the day after restrictions on his travel were lifted. 'It was very sudden,' Wilcox said. 'We only found out the travel ban was lifted Thursday evening just after 8 p.m. so it was a whirlwind and stressful 24 hours.' Dominican authorities dropped the drug trafficking charges by May 1, but Bennett's long-awaited return home was delayed further while paperwork to lift travel restrictions was filed and processed. 'Dave is soaking up good food and positive energy from our home and community,' Wilcox stated in an email. Bennett was detained on March 7 as he and his wife prepared to fly home after a Punta Cana vacation. They learned Dominican authorities had found a bag at the airport containing marijuana and cocaine, allegedly shipped from Canada and bearing a name similar to Bennett's. Despite their insistence the bag didn't belong to Bennett, he was arrested. After spending a few nights in jail, he was granted bail on March 10 but wasn't allowed to leave the country while the investigation continued. In a statement emailed to the Burlington Post, an RCMP spokesperson said the agency is 'aware of reports in the media of travellers being detained abroad for luggage containing illegal drugs' who suspect their baggage tags were switched, or tampered with, without their knowledge. Tampering with baggage tags may be done by 'airport insiders co-operating with smugglers,' according to the statement. 'The objective is to place a tag from legitimate luggage onto luggage containing contraband, such as illegal narcotics, in order to get it onto the plane,' the RCMP spokesperson said. The Ontario RCMP's Toronto Airport Detachment is investigating cases of baggage tag tampering in attempts to smuggle illegal drugs and contraband out of Canada. 'Our investigators have successfully identified and arrested individuals who we believe are involved with this scheme,' the RCMP spokesperson said. 'We are also co-operating with any and all foreign police partners to provide evidence that may assist any files related to these investigations. We are unable to share specific details surrounding victims or accused at this time as the investigations are ongoing.' An RCMP spokesperson said earlier this month the agency was providing information to Dominican authorities 'that can assist Mr. Bennett in coming back to Canada,' but they did not confirm any specific details of the case.
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Explore local gems at a Burlington craft fair
Discover local creativity at the Craftadian Handmade Market in Burlington, where every item showcases its maker's passion, and each purchase supports a local vendor. The artisan fair at Burlington's Ron Joyce Centre ( 4350 South Service Rd. ) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 24, will feature more than 60 Canadian makers offering one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Beyond shopping, the market has DJ music and gourmet food. According to show director Jacqueline Hunter, there's something for everyone — from body care and apothecary items to art, ceramics, woodwork, artisan jewelry, handcrafted handbags, candles, prints, knitwear, paper stationery, and more. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased online or at the door. Children under 16 are free. Owner Jacqueline Hunter said the name Craftadian (from craft and Canadian) represents the show's vision of 'small-batch handmade in Canada goods'. Hunter told the Burlington Post that each show is curated to ensure high-quality, unique offerings, including original artwork and gourmet food. Vendors are selected by a jury consisting of the Craftadian team and field experts. The number in each category is limited to ensure a diverse selection. She said her show's focus is local vendors , so many are from southern Ontario including Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Hamilton. She feels supporting local makers and handmade goods is even more crucial now. 'When you're buying from someone local, they reinvest that money in the community, whether it's swimming lessons for their children, sporting events or buying food,' Hunter said. 'Every time we buy from a local maker, we're investing in creativity, passion, and local growth.' Hunter held her first market (Made by Hand Show) with more than 100 makers in 2011. The idea came when exhibiting her own handmade items (mostly cards and scrapbooking) the previous year. The show was rebranded as Craftadian in 2015. Hunter said the name (formed from craft and Canadian) represents the show's vision of 'small-batch handmade in Canada goods.' 'If you can't attend this show, come check us out in fall,' she continued. 'Craftadian is back at Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington on Nov. 1 and 2.' For more information about the handmade market, click here .
