RUTLAND — Members of the Vermont State Police Tactical Services Unit and a Special Response Team of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston Field Office executed two search warrants in Rutland early this morning at two residences.
One residence is located at 47 Baxter Street, and one is at 146 Maple Street.
The two residences were suspected of being linked by drug trafficking activity.
Prior to executing the search warrant, law enforcement had received indicators that women might be confined at the Maple Street location against their will.
During the execution of the warrant, troopers and HSI special agents located evidence indicating potential human trafficking, including a padlocked apartment door and multiple chain-link storage areas.
Three women were encountered behind the padlocked apartment door.
The women did not appear to be injured, but out of an abundance of caution, they were checked and cleared by medical personnel.
The women are in the process of being interviewed, and a victim-witness advocate who specializes in human trafficking is on the scene.
Law enforcement is continuing to search and process evidence obtained from both residences.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the HSI tip line at 866-347-2423.
