Chatham-Kent police say they're seeing noticeable results from a provincial push to investigate the sex trade in Ontario.
The local force says CK police officers spoke to three women in the community last week as part of Operation Northern Spotlight, adding that one of the women they contacted is now using services provided through Chatham-Kent Victim Services.
OPP say the province-wide initiative was able to ensure the safety of six people who had been working in the sex trade and were in exploitive situations -- that includes two people under the age of 16.
Another 12 people were charged with 21 offences including human trafficking, keeping a common bawdy house, and advertising another person's sexual services.
During the initiative, officers met with individuals who were suspected of being in exploitive situations and provided them with contacts and information on where they can get help if they need it.
The Chatham-Kent police force was just one of 46 police services across the province that took part in Operation Northern Spotlight.
The initiative also involved officials with the RCMP and the FBI along with police services from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, and the United Kingdom.
