Four people face charges in connection with a human trafficking investigation launched by South Simcoe Police (SSP) dubbed Project Chameleon.
"In May of 2023, the South Simcoe Police Service received a report of a female being held in a residence in the Town of Innisfil for the purpose of providing sexual services. Initial investigation identified two males as being involved in trafficking the female victim and exploiting her for financial gain. Further to the allegations of human trafficking, the female victim reported that one of the suspects had sexually assaulted her," stated a news release from SSP on Friday.
During the investigation, police said three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online ads for sexual services in relation to several females from the Bradford and Innisfil areas, including the original female victim.
On Wednesday of this week, SSP and police from Barrie and York Region executed search warrants at a residence in Innisfil and in Newmarket.
The raid netted police more than $30,000 in street drugs including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine and a quantity of pills believed to be oxycodone.
Police are working with support agencies to assist the victims identified in the investigation.
Two men in their 30s, one from Innisfil and the other from Barrie, and a 29 year old Brampton woman face human trafficking and drug charges.
A warrant has been issued for a fourth suspect on human trafficking and drug offences. Police say the 37-year-old male has ties to Newmarket and Brampton.
The suspects are up on a total of 37 criminal charges.
