Drug Raid Uncovers Possible Human Trafficking Operation; Women Found Behind Padlocked Door

A drug bust in Rutland County, Vermont, had led police to a suspected human trafficking operation this week.

Authorities found three women behind the padlocked door of an address when they executed two search warrants at two separate Rutland city residences early Friday, according to a press release from Vermont State Police.

The residences were suspected of being linked to drug trafficking activity, authorities said. It was not indicated if drugs had been found at the locations.

Members of the Vermont State Police tactical services unit and a special response team from the Department of Homeland Security’s Boston Field Office deployed the warrants at homes on Baxter and Maples Streets.

Before executing the search warrant at the Maple Street address, police said they had received "indicators" that women might be confined at that location against their will.

The officers found evidence indicating potential human trafficking, including a padlocked apartment door and multiple chain-link storage areas, when they executed the warrant at the Maple Street residence.

Police said the three women found behind the padlocked apartment door did not appear injured. They were examined by medical personnel and given clearance.

The women were being interviewed as of Friday. A victim-witness advocate who specializes in human trafficking was at the scene.

Police had made no arrests in connection with the raids as of Friday afternoon. However, Rutland Police Chief Brian Kilcullen said that five people have been detained, local news outlet VTDigger reported.

“We’re questioning those people right now as we continue our investigation,” he said. “I expect arrests to be made but I’m not sure when that will happen. It will depend on how the investigation proceeds.”

Kilcullen added that the investigation that led to Friday's operation started several months ago. However, the police chief could not comment further on the human trafficking probe.

He said that an investigation is currently active and ongoing.

Marie Roberts, who lives in the neighborhood where authorities swarmed, told WCAX that she has allegedly witnessed drug deals and overdoses in the area and found baggies of drugs in her backyard.

“How are you supposed to let your kids walk when there are needles? I took my son to the park down here on the corner and there were needles,” she said, adding, “It doesn’t just affect that one person, it affects everyone around you, it affects the whole community.”

Anyone with information connected to the case can call the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at (866) 347-2423.