BERNARDSTON — Ashley Cloutier, 27, of Bellows Falls Vt., was arraigned in Greenfield District Court on Thursday on charges of trafficking Class A drugs, as well as for speeding and a marked lanes violation.
According to a police report, Massachusetts State Trooper Scott Boutell from the Shelburne barracks was advised of an erratic operator driving at excess speeds of 80 miles per hour. Boutell entered Interstate 91 southbound and observed a vehicle matching the description in Bernardston at around 11:49 p.m. on Wednesday.
When Boutell pulled over the vehicle, which had Vermont plates, the driver, Cloutier, said she was visiting a friend in Massachusetts. However, she didn’t know which town she was visiting.
When Boutell requested information on Cloutier, Vermont State Police advised she was suspected of selling large amounts of heroin in the Springfield, Vt. area, according to the police report.
Boutell then requested a narcotics K-9. While waiting, Cloutier moved a white plastic grocery bag to her left side. According to the police report, when back-up arrived, Boutell asked Cloutier what was in the bag. She responded that it contained heroin.
Cloutier was arrested and placed inside of the cruiser. Boutell opened the bag and found about 1,100 wax bags — about 22 grams — of heroin, which were held together with rubber bands and stamped “Escobar” with a picture of a man’s face.
Cloutier is being held on $5,000 bail.
Reach Melina Bourdeau at 413-772-0261, ext. 263 or mbourdeau@recorder.com.