BURLINGTON, Vt. –
A man who allegedly twice sold cocaine to undercover police operatives in Burlington was arrested just as he attempted to board a plane for Belize with his girlfriend.
Antwvan Baker, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested earlier this month after, according to court records, he sold cocaine twice in Burlington in July 2023 and January 2024.
A warrant was obtained for Baker in August 2024. Police say they found him and his girlfriend at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York May 13 with nearly $3,000 in cash attempting to board the flight.
Baker pled not guilty to the charges Tuesday. He has been released pending trial.
According to court documents, Foster allegedly coordinated several shipments of cocaine between 2023 and early 2025. Investigators believe he acted as a key supplier to local distributors operating within Burlington and nearby areas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont confirmed that Foster has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
During the course of the investigation, federal agents reportedly intercepted communications and transactions involving Foster and Burlington-based contacts. Authorities said they seized multiple packages of cocaine and recovered digital evidence tying Foster to the larger distribution network.
“This arrest represents a major step in disrupting a pipeline of narcotics from urban hubs into Vermont communities,” said a spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “We remain committed to working with local law enforcement to keep dangerous drugs off our streets.”
Foster appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Brooklyn on Tuesday and was ordered held without bail. He will be transported to Vermont to face charges in U.S. District Court in Burlington later this month.
So far, prosecutors have not disclosed how many other individuals may be involved in the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
Local officials in Burlington expressed support for the coordinated law enforcement effort, noting that the region has seen a rise in drug-related crimes in recent years.
“Disrupting the supply chain is critical,” said Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad. “We are grateful for the interagency collaboration that led to this arrest.”
If convicted, Foster could face significant prison time and hefty fines. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information on related drug activity to contact local or federal agencies anonymously.
