In recent years, Vermont has faced an unprecedented surge in overdose deaths and drug-related violence, underscoring an urgent public health and safety crisis. Despite this, the state’s legislative focus has largely been on reforming police practices and limiting law enforcement use of force — a direction that, to many, misaligns with Vermont’s immediate needs. While overdose deaths soar and drug-related violence touches even Vermont’s smallest towns, this crisis demands a unified effort to support — rather than restrict — the brave officers who work to keep us safe.
Vermont’s Growing Drug Crisis: A Threat to Every Community
The numbers behind Vermont’s overdose crisis reveal a troubling trend. According to the Vermont Department of Health, opioid-related overdose deaths reached a record high of 244 fatalities in 2022, with 95% involving fentanyl — a synthetic opioid trafficked primarily by international drug cartels. By October 2023, Vermont had already reported 231 overdose deaths, indicating that the crisis has not abated. The presence of xylazine, a dangerous animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl, has exacerbated the problem, accounting for roughly 32% of overdose fatalities this year.
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) January 2024 “State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats” highlights that cartel-driven drug trafficking operations are now reaching even the smallest communities in Vermont. The Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, among the world’s most dangerous organizations, have extended their networks into rural areas, driving an influx of fentanyl and synthetic drugs. In North Troy, a village of only about 600 residents, a 2024 multi-agency operation uncovered drug trafficking activity tied to these cartels, revealing that even Vermont’s most isolated areas are not immune to the reach of these criminal organizations.
The Role of Local Law Enforcement in Protecting Our Communities
Local law enforcement officers in Vermont are on the front lines of the state’s drug crisis, working tirelessly to prevent drugs from reaching our communities and to curb the violence associated with trafficking. These men and women are more than officers; they are neighbors, family members, and friends who take on the responsibility of confronting some of the most dangerous threats in our country. The increasing cartel presence in Vermont places these officers in harm’s way as they combat sophisticated criminal networks that bring deadly substances into our state.
The importance of supporting law enforcement becomes even clearer when considering Vermont’s firearm-related homicides. In 2022, Vermont recorded 21 firearm homicides, a number much lower than overdose fatalities but still significant given that many of these cases involve drug-related violence. Law enforcement data shows that a considerable portion of these homicides have connections to drug trafficking, with conflicts arising between those involved in the illicit drug trade.
Setting the Record Straight on Use of Force
While Vermont has introduced new limitations on police use of force, the state’s officers have historically maintained some of the lowest rates of force complaints in the country. According to the Police Scorecard, Vermont reported nearly zero civilian complaints of police misconduct from 2016 to 2021, reflecting a standard of professionalism that aligns with the community’s trust in its officers. Despite this exemplary record, legislation continues to add restrictions on local police actions, potentially limiting their ability to safely address the increasingly dangerous environment created by drug trafficking and associated criminal activity.
As our officers face mounting threats from powerful cartels, these restrictions may hinder their capacity to protect communities effectively. The low rate of complaints and the dedication of Vermont’s law enforcement illustrate that they deserve our support, not vilification. Rather than focusing on imposing further limitations, the legislature could consider measures that empower our officers to respond to the evolving challenges they face.
The Realities of Cartel Influence in Vermont’s Smallest Towns
The infiltration of cartel activity into even the smallest Vermont communities highlights a need for a concerted effort to address the state’s drug crisis. North Troy, Hardwick, and other small towns have seen the devastating impact of drug trafficking, with law enforcement intercepting substantial quantities of fentanyl, firearms, and other contraband in these areas. These cases illustrate the dangerous reality that law enforcement officers confront daily — a reality that reaches far beyond what one might expect in rural New England.
The presence of cartels in small Vermont towns dispels any notion that these threats are confined to large cities or border states. Instead, they demonstrate that the opioid crisis is an all-encompassing problem, one that requires strong support for local law enforcement agencies. Empowering our police officers with the tools and resources they need is crucial for keeping all Vermonters safe, from the bustling town centers to the quietest villages.
Legislative Priorities: Supporting Law Enforcement Against Deadly Threats
With overdose deaths now outnumbering non-suicide firearm fatalities by a wide margin, the focus of Vermont’s legislature must shift from imposing limitations on police to supporting their mission to protect our communities. In 2022, Vermont lost 244 residents to drug overdoses, while 21 firearm-related homicides were reported — many of which involved drug activity. These figures underscore the severity of the drug crisis and highlight the importance of a unified front against trafficking networks and the deadly substances they bring into our communities.
Lawmakers could bolster efforts to address the crisis by increasing funding for addiction treatment, expanding access to Narcan, and enhancing support for local law enforcement agencies. Collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring states could also help intercept drugs before they reach Vermont, while legislation prioritizing drug prevention and intervention strategies would demonstrate a commitment to protecting Vermont’s future.
Conclusion: Empowering Vermont’s Law Enforcement to Tackle the Drug Crisis
As Vermont’s communities face the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, the need to support local law enforcement has never been more pressing. Our officers are navigating a landscape shaped by powerful drug cartels and dangerous synthetic substances, working under circumstances that many never anticipated in Vermont. They are not only enforcing laws; they are protecting lives and standing against a crisis that has permeated every corner of the state.
The people of Vermont depend on the brave individuals who serve in law enforcement, and they deserve legislative backing that acknowledges the real dangers they face. Rather than restricting their capabilities, Vermont’s leaders could focus on equipping these officers with the tools and resources necessary to keep our communities safe from a crisis that threatens us all.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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