Ep 1. Saudi Bootlegger

"Locked Up Abroad" is a gripping docudrama series that follows the true stories of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Each episode tells the tale of a different traveler who, through a combination of bad luck and bad decisions, ends up in jail in a foreign country.

In season 5, episode 1 of "Locked Up Abroad," titled "Saudi Bootlegger," viewers are introduced to an American man named Dale Kananen. Dale is a middle-aged businessman from Minnesota who has always been a bit of a risk-taker. He's made a small fortune by selling pirated DVDs of Hollywood movies on the black market, and he's always on the lookout for the next big thing.

One day, Dale hears about a lucrative opportunity in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has recently relaxed its strict laws against entertainment, and there is a growing demand for American movies and TV shows. Dale sees a chance to make a killing by smuggling in a large quantity of bootleg DVDs.

Of course, Dale knows that what he's doing is illegal. But he thinks he's smart enough to beat the system. He carefully researches the Saudi market, studies the customs rules, and even bribes a few officials to look the other way. He manages to ship several thousand DVDs over to Saudi Arabia without getting caught.

But then, disaster strikes. One of Dale's Saudi customers gets caught with a large stash of pirated discs, and he's pressured by the authorities to name his supplier. The customer eventually cracks and gives Dale's name to the Saudi police.

Dale is quickly arrested and thrown into prison. He's horrified to discover that Saudi jails are notoriously brutal places, and that he's likely to be held there for years. He's also worried about the fate of his family back home, who don't know anything about his illegal activities.

As Dale struggles to survive in the harsh environment of the Saudi jail, he begins to regret his decision to take the risk. He realizes that his greed and desire for easy money has brought him to the brink of ruin.

"Locked Up Abroad" season 5, episode 1 is a powerful reminder of the dangers of international travel, and the importance of respecting other countries' laws and customs. Dale Kananen's story is a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks they can get away with breaking the rules in a foreign land. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch Dale's desperate attempt to get out of Saudi Arabia alive.