Dozens of officers from Vermont State Police, Bennington Police, and multiple other federal, state and local agencies have begun a massive drug sweep in Bennington County in an operation that began before dawn this morning.

“The operation is one of the largest arrest sweeps in Vermont's history employing over 100 officers attempting to take into custody 63 defendants for the distribution and sale of illicit drugs,” according to a State Police press release.

Many suspects are being held at the Bennington Police Department, sheriff's department, Vermont State Police Shaftsbury barracks and Vermont District Court.

“The Vermont State Police are pleased to be coordinating with multiple state, local, county, and federal agencies to combat the growing drug problem in Southern Vermont,” said Colonel Tom L'Esperance, director of the Vermont State Police.