Arkansas State Police announce results of human trafficking operation in Fort Smith
ASP said in a news release that 12 adults believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services and another 32 victims were identified as part of Operation VOICE (Victims' Opportunity for Independence, Care, and Empowerment). A suspected trafficker was also identified.
Members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council along with ASP conducted a single-day operation, which focused on providing victims with essential services, including food, lodging, medical assistance, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
ASP said in the release that before and during Operation VOICE, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers worked to identify victims.
Two children were also removed from exploitative, vulnerable, and unstable conditions in preparation for the operation, ASP said.
ASP: 13-year-old Van Buren girl reported missing
'This operation brought together law enforcement and victim support organizations from across the state, working compassionately to combat human trafficking,' ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar said. 'Together, we aim to recover victims and hold traffickers accountable, all in the hope of creating safer and more supportive communities for everyone.'
ASP said the operation was made possible with the coordinated efforts of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Arkansas Fusion Center.
Victim advocates and medical personnel from The Genesis Project, ReClaim, Into the Light, ACASA, Crisis Intervention Center and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team also assisted ASP.
ASP said it is unable to release further details, as the investigation is ongoing.
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