HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — During an operation that took place in Hot Springs earlier this month, seven women who were believed to be human trafficking victims were offered aid services, and another 25 victims were identified.
This discovery came through what is being called Operation HOPE ((Help and Opportunity to Prevent Exploitation).
The operation happened over the course of one day and Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council were able to offer the victims food, lodging, onsite medical services, therapy, counseling, and drug rehabilitation services.
"These concerted efforts will significantly contribute to making Arkansas a place where human trafficking is not tolerated," said ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar. "The dedicated law enforcement community in Arkansas is fully committed to approaching the grim reality of human trafficking with empathy, aiming to rescue victims from the shadows and provide them with the support and care they need to recover."
Prior to the operation, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers were able to identify victims in the area. One adult and three children were removed from their vulnerable, exploitative, and unstable conditions. The minors were taken into protective custody and the adult was given aid.
In a similar situation operation that happened in Jonesboro in February, there were 30 adult females that were identified and five of them were offered aid in Northeast Arkansas.
If you are looking for more information on human trafficking or suspect it to be happening in your area, please contact Arkansas Human Trafficking Council at reportht@asp.arkansas.gov or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.