Vermont Public Radio reports that starting on July 1, 2008, the state cigarette tax will increase from $1.79 per pack [to] $1.99 per pack," making Vermont the 11th highest tobacco tax state in the nation. "Over the last two decades Vermont has steadily increased its cigarette tax. And in that time period the number of smokers has dropped from 25 to 18 percent of the population."

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Vermont Public Radio reports that Governor Douglas has signed a new law that is "designed to crack down on people who give shelter to drug dealers." Under the law, a person who knowingly shelters a drug dealer may face up to two years jail time. "The same measure also reduces the amounts of cocaine and heroin that can be charged as possession with intent to distribute." Notably, "Douglas signed the measure yesterday in Rutland, where police say some local residents have been allowing out-of-town drug dealers to stay in their apartments."

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Vermont Public Radio reports that "a sweep by officers from 10 law enforcement agencies rounded up 29 people on drug and firearms charges yesterday in Rutland. The effort, dubbed 'Operation Marble Valley' began in February and culminated when 50 officers gathered outside Rutland, divided themselves into arrest teams, prisoner transport teams and other teams and moved in to make the arrests." Of the 29 individuals who were arrested, twelve were picked up on federal warrants, with charges including large-scale cocaine dealing and firearms violations, and seventeen were picked up on state drug charges. Authorities noted that "eight other people [are] still being sought."

The raid comes several months after a fatal drug-related shooting in the area.

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The Burlington Free Press reports that students at Colchester High School are learning about the effects of alcohol before prom and graduation season begins because, according to Colchester High School Assistant Principal Mike Clark, this time of year is "a prime time for alcohol-related car crashes among teenagers." Students recently wore special goggles that mimic the effects of alcohol intoxication while driving a golf cart. The also tried to play catch. Student Jordan Carrier commented that poor vision created by the goggles "messes with your head." Carrier realized that "he wouldn't be able to [concentrate if] he been drinking" and driving. Students also heard a talk by Linda Russell, "whose son died when an intoxicated teenage driver slammed into the car the Russells were [driving]."

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The Caledonian Record reports that the Grafton County Drug Court Sentencing Program "celebrated its one-year anniversary Wednesday, and its clients have credited it with turning their lives around - and in some cases saving them." The program is an 18- to 24-month program with four phases of intensive to less intensive drug treatment. "In the first phase, clients are tested thrice-weekly for drugs and alcohol, and they meet once a week with a judge. [Clients] contribute to the costs [of] their own treatment and testing based on their ability to pay." Notably, "though still in its pilot stages, Grafton County's drug court was one in five drug courts across the nation bestowed the Community Transformation Award by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in October."

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