Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement following Wednesday’s major law enforcement action in Springfield:
“First of all, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our law enforcement officers, including our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Vermont State Police, Windsor County State’s Attorney and Springfield Police Department, for months of hard, intelligence-based investigative work that will weaken a network of criminal activity in the region.
“Operations like this disrupt the supply of deadly and addictive drugs, take illegal guns off the street, and hold drug dealers accountable for poisoning Vermonters for profit. They also create an opportunity to help those suffering from addiction get back on the right path through our social service systems.
“There are many resources available for treatment and recovery and I’ve directed the Agency of Human Services and the Department of Public Safety to work more closely together to surge these resources into areas where law enforcement is disrupting large drug operations.
“This includes outpatient programs; inpatient support; recovery and risk reduction resources; and more. These and others can be found at www.VTHelpLink.org, and I hope those in need will reach out.
“To those who continue to profit on human suffering, this is evidence of our commitment to disrupt your systems and get those you prey upon the help they need and deserve.
“Public safety is the top priority of any government. We are going to continue to work together with our partners to ensure all Vermonters can enjoy the safest, healthiest communities in the country.”
Vermont State Police On Wednesday, multiple federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies carried out search warrants and arrest warrants at three residences on Valley Street in Springfield.
Investigative work on this matter has been carried out by agencies including the Vermont State Police; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Narcotics Investigation Unit, the police departments in Brattleboro, Springfield and Windsor, Vermont, and in Lebanon, New Hampshire; the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further information will be provided at the appropriate time by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Burlington.
The Vermont State Police is unable to provide any additional details.
***Initial news release, 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022***
The Vermont State Police, joined by multiple local and federal law-enforcement agencies, are conducting an operation Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Springfield.
The police activity is focused on carrying out court-ordered arrest warrants and search warrants at three locations on Valley Street related to an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity. Agencies involved include the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Narcotics Investigation Unit, and the Springfield Police Department.
Members of the public will see an increased police presence along Valley Street and are asked to avoid the area. The operation is focused on specific locations, and there is no indication of a danger to the broader community.
No further details are currently available. The Vermont State Police will provide additional information as the operation continues.
SPRINGFIELD, Vermont (Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022) — VSP