SHEFFIELD, Vt. – Four people are facing gun and drug charges following a major bust in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom on Tuesday.
The Vermont State Police Drug Task Force arrested Tony Lapoint, 55; Monique Lapoint, 32; Kane Quilez, 21; and Louis Velazquez, 23 after executing a search warrant at a Route 122 home in Sheffield. During the raid, authorities seized five firearms and at least 45 grams of fentanyl.
Investigation & Ongoing Drug Battle
The arrests come after a six-month investigation led by state and local law enforcement.
Lyndonville Police Chief Jack Harris acknowledged the operation as a small victory, but warned that drug activity continues to be an ongoing battle.
“For the short period of time, it feels pretty good. But, unfortunately, in the world of narcotics, it’s just delaying the process as now we’ll have to wait and see where the next one pops up,” Harris said.
According to authorities, drug traffickers often come from out of state, set up operations in local homes, and move locations if they aren’t arrested.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize that collaboration between local and state police is key to tackling the issue. The investigation remains ongoing.
