Northeast Portland human trafficking patrols result in 30 arrests, citations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Thirty people were arrested or cited over the last three months along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard in response to sex trafficking activities in the area, police said.

As part of a collaborative effort with Portland Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office and others, patrols in the area have worked to respond to "ongoing community complaints and observed nuisance and livability activity related to sex trafficking," authorities said in a press release.

Over the last three months, police said they have arrested or cited 30 people for commercial sexual solicitation or unlawful prostitution procurement activities.

Police said that during the same timeframe, they also towed six vehicles and gathered information related to suspected buyers, traffickers and other trafficking investigations.

Twenty-six providers were also contacted by officers or advocates who help victims of trafficking.

Authorities ask anyone who knows or suspects someone is being trafficked to contact police.