Five individuals have been charged and two firearms seized following ‘Project Aserale’, a joint investigation into human trafficking led by the DRPS and London Police Service (LPS), according to a news release.
The investigation began in 2023 when London police launched an initial probe into a male suspect residing in Pickering. In 2024, DRPS assumed control of the case and formed a Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) team in collaboration with LPS.
According to DRPS, officers executed search warrants under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at properties in Pickering, Thorold, and Oshawa. Units involved included the Human Trafficking, Tactical Support, Robbery, and Offender Management teams. Police say they seized two firearms, about 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, various other narcotics, and over $115,000 in cash.
Investigators allege that the accused used adult entertainment venues and online platforms to facilitate human trafficking activities across the Greater Toronto Area. On March 22, the primary suspect was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including human trafficking and robbery, involving four identified victims. Police have released the suspect’s photo and are seeking information from the public, expressing concern that there may be additional victims.
Those charged include a 33-year-old male and two 31-year-old males from Pickering, a 26-year-old female from Thorold, and a 37-year-old male from Oshawa. All were held for bail hearings. Names and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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