Durham police yesterday said one suspect has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation which commenced in October.
The Human Trafficking Unit commenced ‘Project Hercules’ of a human trafficking suspect involving a 19-year-old female victim. The female was forced into the sex trade throughout Ontario by the suspect. Members of the Human Trafficking Unit executed a search warrant at a Whitby residence and seized cocaine, a loaded handgun, ammunition and approximately $46,000 in Canadian currency and jewelry, said a police media release.
Anthony Cirtisalso known as (Cuzz, Cuzzin), age 27, of No Fixed Address, faces 19 charges including: Careless Storage of a Firearm; Pointing a Firearm; Trafficking In Person Over 18; Financial/Material Benefit from Trafficking in Person over 18; Material Benefit from Sexual Services; Advertising Sexual Services; Possess Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possess Restricted Firearm with No License.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Investigators want to ensure there are no further victims and are asking anyone with new information is asked to contact D/Cst. Bint of the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5607.