A human trafficking investigation launched by Barrie police last November that allegedly involved a youth has resulted in charges against a 33-year-old man from the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say detectives from the service's Human Trafficking Unit were assisted throughout the complex investigation by the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence - Led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) and North Bay Police Service.
The suspect was armed with a loaded gun when he was arrested in North Bay on Tuesday, police said.
The accused is facing the following charges:
- Assault with a weapon section (2 counts)
- Traļ¬cking in persons ā under 18
- Material beneļ¬t resulting from Traļ¬cking in persons ā under 18
- Procuring ā under 18
- Material beneļ¬t from sexual services ā under 18
- Utter threats to cause death
- Traļ¬cking in a schedule I substance- cocaine
- Possession of substance ā schedule I ā cocaine (2 counts)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking ā schedule I ā cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking ā schedule I ā fentanyl
- Possession of substance ā schedule I ā fentanyl (2 counts)
- Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a weapon contrary to an order (2 counts).
The accused was returned to Barrie and remains in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday.
Investigators believe there may be additional human trafficking victims that have not yet reported their involvement with the accused to police.
Police are urging them to contact Detective Constable Salmon of the Barrie Police Human Trafficking Unit at msalmon@barriepolice.caĀ or by phone at 705-725-7025, extension 2637.
