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By Erika Rolling

Crime

Three arrested and charged for human trafficking and drugs in Grande Prairie

Oct 20, 2023 | 10:39 AM

ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit has arrested three Grande Prairie individuals suspected of human trafficking after a Toronto woman was allegedly forced into working in the sex trade.

The law enforcement organization says a woman from Toronto travelled to Grande Prairie after being recruited on social media under the pretenses of a legitimate job, but once she arrived she was forced into the sex trade and her money was withheld in order to pay back travel expenses that were fronted.

The woman managed to escape the group holding her under control and went home to Toronto, where she then contacted her local police in May 2023.

ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit alleges three suspects forced the woman into working in the sex trade under the threat of violence.

On Septemeber 19, 2023, with the help of Grande Prairie RCMP, the suspects were arrested and two homes were searched.

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Cash, a truck, and over $30,000 worth of cocaine were seized by ALERT.

The three arrested and charged are:

• 23-year-old Romeo Spence of Grande Prairie.
  • Spence has been charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, material benefit from trafficking a person, uttering threats, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
  • They are scheduled in court on November 2, 2023.
• 46-year-old Andre Wright of Grande Prairie.
  • Wright has been charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, uttering threats, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of another person’s identity.
  • They are scheduled in court on October 23, 2023.
• 29-year-old Hipai Bangisa of Grande Prairie.
  • Bangisa has been charged with trafficking a persons, procuring, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime.
  • They are scheduled in court on October 23, 2023.

All three have been released from custody.

Members of the public that suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).