RANDOM DRUG CHECKS START

Law enforcement officers from three agencies in Rutland County,
along with aerial support from the Vermont National Guard, conducted
a roving war on drugs in the city Friday afternoon.

Officers from Rutland police, Vermont State Police and the Rutland
County Sheriff's Department patrolled the streets pulling over more
than 100 motorists whose vehicles were subjected to cursory searches
for illegal drugs.

Police were looking for any plainly evident signs of drug
trafficking within the vehicles.

The stops appeared to be taking place all over the city, according
to residents who noted the high volume of police activity on the streets.

"We find motor vehicle violations and look for drugs when the cars
are pulled over," said city police Lt. Kevin Geno.

About 20 officers were involved in the patrols along with a Vermont
National Guard helicopter, which hovered over the city for much of
the afternoon. Asked why the helicopter was requested, Geno said it
was a precautionary measure "in case anybody runs."

None of the stopped cars had attempted to elude police as of 8:30
p.m. Friday, but two people had been arrested during the stops and
an unknown amount of drugs were seized, Geno said.

The overtime operation, paid for by the three local agencies, was
the second show of interagency cooperation this week in Rutland. On
Tuesday, city police, State Police and federal agents from the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives worked together to
arrest three people on drug selling and weapon possession charges.

Geno said the patrols represent a weapon in the city's battle
against drugs and violence and will be used again in the future.

At least one city official was happy to hear about the police activity Friday.

"Well that's good and it's about time," said Alderwoman Sharon
Davis. "This is the no-tolerance attitude we've been waiting for."