Sask. RCMP locates girl believed to be victim of human trafficking

Stopping a speeding vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway led to much more for the Saskatchewan RCMP.

In a media release Monday, the Mounties said officers from the Roving Traffic Unit pulled over a car Thursday afternoon near Swift Current. The RCMP said the car, which had an Ontario licence plate, was being driven by a girl under the age of 16.

“Investigation by police determined the female was reported as missing from Ontario and was a suspected victim of human trafficking,” the RCMP release said.

“Officers requested assistance representatives from the Ministry of Social Services in Swift Current, who accompanied the female to the hospital to receive medical care. Transportation is being arranged to return the female to her home.”

The RCMP said officers worked with the Hamilton Police Service and the Swift Current RCMP Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team on the investigation. The Hamilton police have taken over the case.

“Saskatchewan RCMP reminds the public that anyone can be a target for human trafficking,” the release said. “Victims may be trafficked by someone they know: A former or current partner, family member, friend, or trustworthy person. The recruiting tactics can be subtle (and) often victims don’t even know they’re being trafficked.”

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, there were 552 incidents of human trafficking in 2021.

Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking or knows someone who might be a victim is urged to call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or submit an anonymous tip online. The hotline is confidential and operates 24/7, 365 days a year.