Alleged human and drug traffickers busted in Innisfil, Ont.
South Simcoe Police Service has made multiple arrests and seized over $30,000 in drugs following a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon.
In May, police say they received a report of a female being held in a residence in Innisfil for sexual services.
Police say the initial investigation identified two men involved in trafficking the female victim and exploiting her for financial gain.
Further to the allegations of human trafficking, police say the female victim reported that one of the suspects had sexually assaulted her.
As the investigation progressed, police say three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online advertisements for sexual services in relation to several females from the Bradford and Innisfil areas, including the original female victim.
On Wednesday, in partnership with the York Regional Police Service and the Barrie Police Service, the South Simcoe Police Service executed search warrants at a residence in Innisfil and Newmarket.
Police allegedly seized illicit street drugs, including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine and a quality of pills believed to be oxycodone.
Investigators say they are working with support agencies to assist the identified victims.
Police would also like to inform victims of human trafficking that they may also seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Three suspects from Brampton, Innisfil and Barrie have been arrested and face a slew of human trafficking and drug trafficking charges.
One suspect is still at large, and police ask anyone who can provide additional information related to this investigation to contact South Simcoe police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Law enforcement foils alleged assassination attempt of human rights activist Irwin Cotler by agents of Iran
Iranian agents allegedly plotted to assassinate Canadian human rights advocate and former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler, a longtime vocal critic of Iran. Details of the foiled plot were first reported by The Globe and Mail citing unnamed sources on Monday and confirmed to CTV News by Cotler's office.
Halifax police say Walmart employee's death isn't suspicious, refuse to release details
Police in Halifax say the death of a Walmart employee who was found inside an oven in the store last month is not suspicious, but they are refusing to release any additional details.
Parts of Canada will see up to 30 centimetres of snow. Here's where
Canadians are bracing for a chilly start to the week as snowfall and other wintry conditions are expected to make landfall across western and eastern provinces.
Canada Post, union to meet mediator Monday in effort to end strike
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are meeting with a special mediator for the first time Monday to continue talks as they enter the fourth day of a national strike.
9 injured, including 2 critically, after stolen vehicle collides with TTC bus in Toronto: police
Nine people were injured, including two critically, after a stolen vehicle collided with a TTC bus in North York early Monday morning, Toronto police say.
Taylor Swift Eras Tour: Ticket scam west of Toronto costs 40 people more than $70K
Dozens of people in Halton Region are out tens of thousands of dollars after buying fake or nonexistent tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dates in Toronto, police say.
Fall storm could bring 'hurricane force' winds to B.C., forecasters say
Environment Canada is warning about an intensifying storm that is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
Israeli airstrike hits central Beirut near key government buildings and embassies
An Israeli airstrike late Monday slammed into a densely populated residential area in Lebanon's capital close to the UN headquarters, Parliament, the prime minister's office and several embassies.
Tropicana fans are ditching the brand after a bottle redesign
Tropicana customers are in revolt over an orange juice bottle redesign. Again.