State’s attorney says some drug cases won’t be prosecuted

COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont state’s attorney says her office will no longer prosecute cases involving a drug that can be used to help treat opioid addiction.

Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George said drugs like buprenorphine, also known by the brand name Suboxone, “minimize the chance for relapse and help individuals reduce or abandon their use of heroin.” Mychampaignvalley reports reaction to the decision around the state has been mixed, with Washington County State’s Attorney Rory Thibault noting there will be no changes to prosecution in his county.

A Vermont State Police spokesman says the law applies throughout the state, and non-prosecutions won’t impact how troopers do their jobs.