by Guy Page
Two alleged Burlington fentanyl and cocaine dealers from Springfield, MA – a major distribution hub for the lethal, illegal drugs sold in Vermont – were cited for drug trafficking charges on June 15 and then released to appear in court on September 9.
State police say the North West Vermont Drug Task Force (NWVDTF) arrested Keeyo Jones (28) of Springfield, MA and Shawness Robinson (29) of Springfield, MA at 5 pm at 595 Shelburne Street in Burlington after a months’ long investigation into their distribution of cocaine base and fentanyl in the Chittenden County area.
The investigation consisted of multiple controlled purchases of illegal drugs, state police say. The investigation found them to be in possession of illegal drugs, as well as prerecorded NWVDTF funds, at the time of their arrest.
Jones and Robinson were released on citation to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court, Criminal Division on September 8 at 8:30 AM to answer to the charges of Sale of Cocaine, Trafficking of Fentanyl, and possession of Cocaine.
Vermont Daily Chronicle asked Detective Sgt. Dustin Robinson of the Vermont State Police Northwest Narcotics Investigation Unit why the suspects were cited and released rather than brought before a judge to be given conditions of release, bail, or even jailed.
“It’s Chittenden County, and it was a non-violent drug related crime. Releasing on a citation was the option that we had,” Robinson said. That’s standard policy for police bringing cases to the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office, he said. Other counties offer more options, he said.
Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has at times been reluctant to impose bail and/or jail, or even conditions of release, on some alleged non-violent offenders.
Vermont has seen 43 opioid overdose fatalities through June 17 this year, compared to 51 at the same date last year. 121 was an all-time record for Vermont opioid deaths. Both years, more than 90% of the fatalities have been caused by fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic whose components are often made in China. The final product is often produced in Mexico, smuggled across the southern border, and delivered via “hubs” in New York City and Springfield, MA to Vermont drug users.
Another drug bust – VSP issued the following statement at 11:43 AM:
On June 23 the NWVDTF arrested Zahir Allah (42) of Springfield, MA at Malletts Bay Avenue, Winooski after a months long investigation into his distribution of cocaine base and fentanyl in the Chittenden County area.
The investigation consisted of numerous controlled purchases of illegal drugs. At the time of his arrest Allah was in possession of about 207 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine), 313 grams of cocaine, and 1,000 bags of fentanyl. The street value of the illegal drugs was approximately $85,265.
Allah was lodged at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Center for lack of $100,000.00 bail and will be arraigned at the Chittenden County Superior Court, Criminal Division on June 24 to answer to the charges of Sale of heroin, Trafficking of Fentanyl, and Trafficking of Cocaine.