78 arrested in Ontario human trafficking probe; 18 alleged victims assisted

LONDON, Ont. – Police in southwestern Ontario say 78 people have been arrested in a human trafficking investigation.

London, Ont., police say 18 women who were involved in the sex trade as a result of alleged human trafficking were assisted during the investigation — dubbed Project Equinox — that began on Oct. 4, 2016.

They say the alleged victims — ranging in age from 15 to 55 — were relocated to a safe place away from their alleged traffickers and provided with supports.

Investigators say they concentrated on three aspects of human trafficking — identifying people who were answering escort ads, suspects engaged in human trafficking, and possible victims.

They say a total of 129 criminal code charges were laid, including four human trafficking charges and 24 drug charges. Thirty-five alleged customers were also charged.

Police say officers seized drugs, cash and weapons, including knives, an expandable baton and a rifle.