Authorities arrest 4 in Springfield drug raids

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) - Police arrested four people in a major drug sweep in Springfield Wednesday.

The raids targeted homes on Valley Street, which has been the site of multiple incidents in recent months including shootings.

The Vermont U.S. Attorney’s office says Jonathan Castro, 33, Anibal Castro Sr., 54, and Derek Arie, 34, all from Springfield, were taken into custody and indicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl from March to November of this year. Each charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and up to a $1,000,000 fine.

Federal Authorities also charged Martine Protas, 43, of Springfield with illegal possession of a firearm.

Governor Phil Scott issued a statement about the raids saying, “Operations like this disrupt the supply of deadly and addictive drugs, take illegal guns off the street, and hold drug dealers accountable for poisoning Vermonters for profit. To those who continue to profit on human suffering, this is evidence of our commitment to disrupt your systems and get those you prey upon the help they need and deserve.”

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