BETHEL — A multi-agency operation led to the arrest of nine individuals on drug trafficking and related charges after Vermont authorities executed a search warrant at a local residence early Thursday morning.
The Vermont Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Vermont State Police and several other law enforcement units, targeted a property at 62 Gage Rd. as part of a broader investigation into cocaine and fentanyl distribution in the region.
The extensive probe included controlled buys, arrests, and search operations in Chittenden, Washington, and Windsor counties.
The raid yielded over a kilogram of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as an array of illegal firearms, including a “ghost gun,” sawed-off shotguns, long guns, a grenade launcher, and pistols with extended magazines.
Additionally, authorities found numerous animals in poor conditions, which were subsequently transferred to the Royalton Country Animal Hospital for care.
Among those arrested were Richard Boles, 56, and India Tweedie, 34, both from Bethel, who face multiple charges including cocaine trafficking, fentanyl trafficking, and animal cruelty.
Their bails were set at $25,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Andrea Veroneau, 36, also from Bethel, was charged with drug trafficking and violation of release conditions.
Her bail was set at $25,000.
Moses Gardner, 55, of Turnbridge, and Tyler Taitague, 32, of Bethel, were detained on drug trafficking charges with bail set at $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.
Matthew Gilbert, 33, and Anthony Gunn, 31, both from Hartford, Connecticut, along with LaQuonne Thames Jr., 18, and LaQuonne Thames Sr., 36, from Manchester, Connecticut, were arrested on similar drug trafficking charges.
Gilbert and the elder Thames also faced firearms charges, with Gilbert identified as a fugitive from justice.
Bail amounts ranged from $50,000 to $100,000.
The accused were held at Southern State Correctional Facility pending their court appearances.
