Just imagine.
You're on your hotel balcony in Santo Domingo, smoking a cigarette. Next thing you know there are men in all-black uniforms pointing very large guns at you, telling you not to move. You then find out that they are agents from Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD), and they are searching all the rooms looking for drugs. Imagine your surprise when you're told they found a piece of a marijuana joint in your room. AND, you are now under arrest.
Can you imagine this happening?
Well, this did happen this past weekend at the Duque de Wellington Hotel. An American tourist, along with another person (employee?) were arrested. I found out about it from Americans living in the States, who called and emailed me inquiring about whether the story was true or not. So, I made a few phone calls and yep, it was true.
Well, we have a happy-ending. Said American has been released from custody and was out lastnight at Bar Friends, reliving the horror for those assembled. The owner of the Duque de Wellington, along with his lawyer, were able to convince the authorities that the marijuana found in the room was not his.
Unfortunately, the other drama that took place does not have a happy-ending.
An ex-pat, Cliff, who has been living here for almost a year, passed away at the hospital. No one knows the exact cause, but it happened so suddenly. He had a very high fever earlier in the week, but refused to go to the doctor. Some believe that his symptoms suggest Dengue Fever. David Lee has posted some great information regarding Dengue Fever. It highlights the seriousness of this disease.
I didn't know Cliff well, but it is still sad to hear news like this.
Rest in peace, Cliff.
You're on your hotel balcony in Santo Domingo, smoking a cigarette. Next thing you know there are men in all-black uniforms pointing very large guns at you, telling you not to move. You then find out that they are agents from Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD), and they are searching all the rooms looking for drugs. Imagine your surprise when you're told they found a piece of a marijuana joint in your room. AND, you are now under arrest.
Can you imagine this happening?
Well, this did happen this past weekend at the Duque de Wellington Hotel. An American tourist, along with another person (employee?) were arrested. I found out about it from Americans living in the States, who called and emailed me inquiring about whether the story was true or not. So, I made a few phone calls and yep, it was true.
Well, we have a happy-ending. Said American has been released from custody and was out lastnight at Bar Friends, reliving the horror for those assembled. The owner of the Duque de Wellington, along with his lawyer, were able to convince the authorities that the marijuana found in the room was not his.
Unfortunately, the other drama that took place does not have a happy-ending.
An ex-pat, Cliff, who has been living here for almost a year, passed away at the hospital. No one knows the exact cause, but it happened so suddenly. He had a very high fever earlier in the week, but refused to go to the doctor. Some believe that his symptoms suggest Dengue Fever. David Lee has posted some great information regarding Dengue Fever. It highlights the seriousness of this disease.
I didn't know Cliff well, but it is still sad to hear news like this.
Rest in peace, Cliff.
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