How a single overdose in Vermont unraveled an empire of heroin

In August 2012, Ginger Parker desperately called 911 when her boyfriend, David Blanchard III, was found unresponsive in their Rutland motel room. Despite the operator’s attempts at CPR, medics pronounced Blanchard dead from a heroin overdose, revealing a track mark on his arm and drug paraphernalia nearby. This incident initiated a lengthy investigation that uncovered a significant heroin distribution network linking Rutland and the Bronx. The case highlighted how Rutland, with its affordable drug prices, became a target for out-of-town dealers. Vermont’s opioid crisis intensified, with overdose deaths spiking from 50 in 2012 to 106 by 2016, largely driven by heroin and later fentanyl.

The investigation into Blanchard's death not only sought justice for his family but also aimed to dismantle the drug trafficking operations responsible for the fatalities. This effort underscored the urgency of addressing the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate communities nationwide. The findings reflect a growing awareness of the interconnected nature of the drug trade and its impact on public health.