The Associated Press
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. –– Police arrested three men who they said were planning to storm a pharmacy on Tuesday, kill everyone inside and steal all the drugs.
Officers said they seized submachine guns and semiautomatic handguns with silencers, bulletproof vests and black tactical clothing with masks from the three on Monday.
The men were identified as Jay Howard, 24; his brother Jeff Howard, 21; and Charles Veillette, 32. They were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, robbery and theft.
They entered no pleas at their arraignments Tuesday in Portsmouth District Court. Bail was set at $1 million apiece.
Portsmouth police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said the arrests capped a 1½-month joint investigation that also involved the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and other agencies. A brief statement gave no hint of how authorities got wind of the alleged plot or any details of the investigation.
Police Lt. James Tucker said the stores that were possible targets had not been notified.
Authorities said the trio had planned to launch their plot by killing a motorist and stealing his or her car.