Greater Sudbury Police conducted an outreach initiative Wednesday on the west of Kathleen Street to reach out to sex trade workers, and ended up making some drug arrests.
In a news release, police said members of the Integrated Crime Team were trying to speak with prostitutes to offer them contact information for support services in the community and to also educate them on personal and community safety.
Technically, people selling their bodies for sex isn't illegal, after a Supreme Court decision in 2013.
“Over a six-hour period, seven women were identified as being involved in street level prostitution,” the release said. “During the same time period several men and vehicles were seen trolling the area and a man was served a driving suspension notice.”
During this initiative, undercover police witnessed a drug transaction and arrested a 31-year-old man from Greater Sudbury. Officers seized about $1,000 worth of hydromorphone and methamphetamine tablets, as well as, $2,000 in cash.
He was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
“Greater Sudbury Police Service is committed to community safety and well-being and enhancing the safety, security and wellness of our community members,” the release said. “Sex workers (prostitutes) are victims and those who exploit them are criminals. Our police service will continue to conduct outreach, provide information on support services and educate vulnerable persons on personal and community safety.”
Police works in partnership with Sudbury and Area Victim Services to inform and educate the community on the signs of human trafficking, the release said.
“Human trafficking is an offence that involves controlling, forcing, intimidating or deceiving a person of any age in order to exploit them through sexual acts or forced labour,”the release said.
For more information on the signs of Human Trafficking, please visit SudburyandAreaVictimServices.ca.
Anyone who has information about a victim of sexual exploitation that needs help, or about any person who exploits people for a sexual purpose, please contact the Greater Sudbury Police gangs and vice unit of the integrated crime team at 705-675-9171 or Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS(8477) or Toll Free at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
