Police lay human trafficking charges following drug investigation
Posted Jan 12, 2021 9:33 am.
Last Updated Jan 12, 2021 11:54 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – What started as a drug case has now resulted in charges of human trafficking.
Calgary police searched a property in Nov. 2020 and found evidence the man believed to be the leader of a local drug network was making money from human trafficking and prostitution.
Investigators believe at least two women were trafficked and at least one alleges they were assaulted if they did not comply with the demands of the leader and his associate.
The women received very little of the money and were made vulnerable to the demands of the leaders by their addictions.
“This group targeted women who were vulnerable to manipulation and control because of their addictions. They preyed on at least two women that we currently know about, though we know they had a vast network in Calgary. If you are a victim of human trafficking, please call police. We can help,” said S/Sgt. Jodi Gach.
“Bringing the accused to justice is only one small part of the success of this investigation. Ultimately our biggest success is in connecting many vulnerable victims with our social serving partners to provide support, resources and a way out. Stopping the cycle of victimization from people who seek to profit from drug trafficking takes a wrap-around community approach and we could not do it without our partners.”
https://twitter.com/CalgaryPolice/status/1349027252785217538
Last Thursday, police searched a home along 16 Ave. S.E. and arrested a 52-year-old man who has since been charged with human trafficking offences.
Police are now searching for another suspect, Shakir Jamal, in the trafficking investigation. Jamal is also wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for parole violations.
“Any help that the public can provide with locating Shakir Jamal would be greatly appreciated by the investigative team,” added Gach. “These individuals preyed on a vulnerable population to manipulate and control based on addictions they have.”
If you know of his whereabouts, you’re asked to call Calgary police or Crime Stoppers.
