Bennington, VT News
Bennington Drug Bust: Police Arrest Five on Hilltop Drive
About Bennington Drug Bust
Local police conducted a major narcotics raid on Hilltop Drive this week. This decisive action directly affects our neighborhood. In addition, it highlights ongoing local efforts to combat illegal drugs in Bennington County.
Bennington police officers searched two nearby apartments on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. During the morning operation, investigators took five people into custody on various drug and warrant charges.
What happened during the Hilltop Drive Bennington search?
Officers searched two residences at 50 and 51 Hilltop Drive, Apartment 1, during an active investigation. Inside 50 Hilltop Drive, investigators discovered roughly 22.5 grams of suspected fentanyl. They also found 13 grams of suspected cocaine. In addition, police seized $1,213 in cash and drug packaging supplies.
Bennington Police Officer Morris detailed the morning raid in an official department news release. Furthermore, several outside agencies assisted local officers throughout the operation. For example, the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office joined the collaborative effort. In addition, Bennington Rescue and Vermont Department of Corrections probation staff provided essential on-scene support.
Investigators focused their attention on the two units after developing investigative leads. Inside the first apartment, officers quickly uncovered packaged narcotics ready for street sales. They also discovered digital scales and packaging materials tied to illicit drug distribution. Meanwhile, officers secured the residential area to keep nearby families safe.
Who faces fentanyl trafficking Bennington charges?
Police charged 50-year-old Raheem A. Vilar of Elmont, New York, with felony fentanyl trafficking. Authorities also charged Vilar with selling fentanyl, conspiracy, and possessing over 2.5 grams of cocaine. Following the arrest, court officials ordered Vilar held on $250,000 bail at Marble Valley Correctional Center.
Vilar faced the most severe allegations among the individuals arrested during the search. Because the seized fentanyl exceeded statutory limits, detectives brought felony distribution charges against him. Consequently, correctional officers transported Vilar directly to the Marble Valley regional facility in Rutland to await his arraignment.
Who are the other suspects in the Bennington VT drug arrests?
Authorities cited or lodged four local Bennington residents during the multi-agency operation. Specifically, police charged Susanna Glendenning, Crystal Barney, and Latasha Bourn with multiple drug violations. Officers also arrested Timothy McKay on an outstanding retail theft warrant. Three suspects faced immediate detention, while two others received citations for future court appearances.
Officers lodged 36-year-old Crystal Barney at Marble Valley Correctional Center under a $100,000 bail. Prosecutors charged Barney with possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and violation of conditions of release.
Meanwhile, officers took 41-year-old Latasha Bourn into custody on drug possession charges. They also cited her on a probation violation warrant. Authorities lodged Bourn at Marble Valley Correctional Center. Later, they released her to the custody of the Vermont Department of Corrections.
However, police processed two other local residents without requiring cash bail. Officers cited Susanna Glendenning, 35, for knowingly permitting drug sales in a dwelling, conspiracy, and cocaine possession. Then, police cited Timothy McKay, 40, on a warrant for failing to appear on a retail theft charge.
Here is what investigators recovered during the apartment searches:
- 22.5 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 13 grams of suspected cocaine
- $1,213 in United States currency
- Paraphernalia and packaging items linked to drug distribution
Why it matters
Drug distribution directly harms neighborhood safety and personal health across Bennington and nearby towns. Illicit opioids continue to fuel overdoses throughout Bennington County and southern Vermont. In addition, when dealers run drug operations from apartment complexes, nearby residents face serious safety hazards.
Close teamwork among municipal police, state prosecutors, and corrections officers remains vital to stopping local drug rings. Furthermore, operations like this remove dangerous substances from neighborhood streets. Therefore, our community depends on prompt enforcement to protect residential neighborhoods.
What happens next in court?
Arraignments began swiftly for the primary suspects held on cash bail following the raid. Both Raheem A. Vilar and Crystal Barney drew scheduled court appearances for Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The proceedings take place at 12:30 p.m. inside Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division on South Street.
Judges will review the initial bail amounts set for both defendants during those hearings. Next, the state’s attorney will present formal charging documents in open court. Meanwhile, Glendenning and McKay must answer their separate citations in the same courthouse on scheduled dates. Bennington police stated that further details may follow as the broader case proceeds.
Sources
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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