High-speed chase linked to drug case

A high-speed pursuit through three Chittenden County communities during rush hour traffic Thursday evening was part of a federal drug investigation, officials said.

The chase began in Shelburne as a Massachusetts-registered vehicle was spotted going north in the southbound lane at about 5 p.m.

South Burlington police was asked to join the chase, which went into Burlington, but the vehicle was temporarily lost.

A large contingent of police later swarmed the Old North End, but no details were available.

Attempts to reach the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration were unsuccessful. Shelburne Police and others said they were told to refer phone calls to the DEA.