Police have seized a handgun and charged a Brampton man following a human trafficking bust at an Ontario hotel. (Photo: London Police Service)

Police have seized a handgun and charged a Brampton man following a human trafficking bust at an Ontario hotel.

The arrest happened on Friday when officers with the London Police Service Human Trafficking Unit were doing routine outreach and safety checks at a hotel in the Exeter Road area.

Police say officers identified an online ad with possible third‑party involvement, and arranged to meet with the female advertiser.

Officers identified a male believed to be facilitating the sexual services exiting the hotel, but the suspect fled back into the hotel when approached by investigators, police say.

The suspect was seen ditching an item in a hallway, which police say was a loaded Glock 22 handgun. Two cellular phones and a quantity of Canadian currency were also seized as part of the investigation, police say.

Police say the 24-year-old male suspect from Brampton was arrested, and did not possess a valid licence or registration for the firearm. Officers say the man was facilitating the female’s activities within the sex trade, and that the victim did not sustain any physical injuries.

London police say Elijah Clarke, 24, of Brampton, has been charged with multiple offences including unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, procuring / exercising control, material benefit from sexual services, and advertising another person’s sexual services.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the London Police Service at 519-661-5670. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.


INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

Last 30 Days: 30,201 Votes

All Time: 1,294,606 Votes

208 VOTES
Should Pierre Poilievre remain Conservative leader for the next election?

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.