RCMP arrest 7 in alleged human trafficking operation in southern Manitoba – Winnipeg Free Press

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE – The RCMP have arrested two girls after they say they were exploited in a human trafficking operation in southern Manitoba.

Seven people are accused of various charges, including human trafficking, sexual abuse and producing child pornography.

Police say a woman befriended the vulnerable 15-year-old girls last year and offered them drugs and money to go to various homes in Portage la Prairie.

Manitoba RCMP have laid dozens of charges related to human trafficking and sexual abuse against seven people in southern Manitoba. Manitoba RCMP headquarters are seen in Winnipeg, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

They allege that the woman often locked up the girls and forced them to perform sexual acts with men in exchange for drugs and sometimes money.

According to investigators, there are more victims, including an unknown girl of 13 or 14 years old.

A 43-year-old woman from the Long Plain First Nation and six men are accused of a total of 65 offences.

Police officers said they became aware of the operation after receiving a tip in February about a girl seen in the city with older men.