Police in Thunder Bay are part of a province-wide human trafficking sting coordinated by the OPP has resulted in 45 charges being laid against 15 people.
Dubbed Operation Northern Spotlight, police were also able to rescue seven people.
Two of them were under the age of 18.
The probe coincided with a national effort led by the RCMP’s Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre.
Dryden and Lac Seul Police services were also involved in the province effort.
Thunder Bay Police Officers were able to contact 10 women involved in the sex trade here in Thunder Bay during Project Spotlight.
Officials tell us these contacts were valuable ways for police to build a positive rapport with these women.
The process of building trust and providing support is important and will no doubt have a meaningful impact on women seeking alternatives and safety.