Daniel Chong, UC San Diego student, was locked away for five days without food or water. The 25-year old Economics major has settled his suit with DEA for $4.1 M. Although the resilient Chong was detained with eight others on April 21, 2013 he was never charged. The DEA raided a home in San Diego seizing ecstasy, marijuana, prescription medications, hallucinogenic mushrooms, guns, and ammo.

Chong readily admits he was at the home enjoying a 4/20 Celebration.

Numerous cries for help and blatant kicks to the confining door were repeatedly ignored. While incarcerated, Chong, experienced hallucinations due to dehydration. Upon release Chong was admitted to intensive care to ensure kidney failure was prevented. A reflective Chong gravely admits, “I could have died at any moment.”

Survival has revived his determination to safeguard the arduous windfall, “I’m going to buy a home for my family. And other than that, I’m going to pretty much protect it for myself. I’m going to lock it all away.”

Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG)