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ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (WFLA) — A three-day undercover operation resulted in the arrests of six people who Tampa Bay investigators said were either soliciting or engaging in activity related to human trafficking.
The investigation began Thursday, April 10, and involved multiple law enforcement agencies and nongovernment organizations throughout Tampa Bay.
The Zephyrhills Police Department, which spearheaded the operation alongside the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, said the aim was to “combat human trafficking” in the area and “bring justice to those affected by these crimes.”
Detectives were able to identify six suspects — two of whom are accused of soliciting prostitution or traveling to meet a minor. The rest are believed to have been exploiting, or trying to exploit, people for profit through human trafficking.
“This operation emphasizes our department’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding traffickers accountable,” said Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer. “We are proud to stand alongside our fellow agencies in the fight against human trafficking and will continue working to ensure the safety of our community.”
Other agencies and organizations involved in the operation included the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, St. Petersburg Police Department, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the More Too Life Foundation.