Royalton, Vt. – An early morning police raid on Moses Lane in South Royalton resulted in multiple arrests Friday, bringing relief to neighbors who say the home had been a source of trouble for years.
According to authorities, 18 people were inside the residence when the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit and local law enforcement executed a search warrant. Witnesses reported hearing loud police commands and what sounded like flash-bangs during the raid. Several individuals were seen being taken away in handcuffs.
Neighbors Say Problems Have Lasted for Years
Neighbors described the house as a long-standing problem spot tied to drug activity.
“There’s been drugs in and out of there since probably I moved in here. It’s been a big problem for a long time,” said Ayden Downing, who lives nearby.
Downing added that his family had installed security cameras because of the frequent disturbances associated with the house.
Evidence Collected From the Home
Police confirmed they had probable cause to obtain a warrant from a judge, though they did not disclose the specific evidence being sought. Investigators were seen carrying out evidence bags from the residence as part of the ongoing case.
Vermont State Police Statement
Lt. Dustin Robinson, with the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, addressed the community following the raid.
“It is a community problem. It is something that we as a society have to work towards fixing because we can’t arrest our way out of this problem,” Robinson said as reported by WCAX.
Authorities confirmed that roughly six people were arrested Friday, though some were taken into custody for outstanding warrants unrelated to the raid.
Focus on Substance Abuse Treatment
In an effort to address the root causes of drug activity, a mental health worker was embedded with officers during the raid. Robinson noted that this approach allows law enforcement to offer substance abuse counseling and resources to those struggling with addiction.
“Trying to use this as an opportunity to offer substance abuse counselling, or help to all the people that were here today,” Robinson explained.
Community Response
Neighbors said the raid was overdue and expressed gratitude that law enforcement took action.
“It is good to see they are doing something about it,” Downing said, emphasizing that the activity had made the area feel unsafe for years.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not yet released details about the specific charges tied to the raid but confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Authorities also encouraged residents to continue providing tips and information to help combat drug-related crime in the community.
The Larger Issue of Drug Abuse
Law enforcement officials stressed that the South Royalton raid highlights the broader challenges of drug abuse and distribution in Vermont. Communities across the state have struggled with the impact of substance abuse, which not only fuels crime but also places a strain on healthcare and social services.
What do you think about the approach of combining arrests with counselling? Should more communities adopt this model? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
