On Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear announced Kentucky took part in a 12-state effort to combat human trafficking.
More than 100 arrests were made throughout the 12 states. Authorities in Kentucky made 46 arrests — more than any of the other states. It also rescued more victims.
Kentucky State Police Detective Rugina Lunce said efforts took place in northern Kentucky, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green and McCracken County.
“The Bowling Green detail assisted by victims and made an arrest for human trafficking executed a search warrant on illicit massage parlor,” she said. “The McCracken County detail was an internet crimes against children operation.”
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Colonel Philip Burnett said Kentucky also rescued 21 human trafficking victims.
“These operations typically use undercover tactics and officers who arrange dates or meetings with potential human trafficking victims and rescue that victim or sex worker and provide needed services or poses a victim them sales and arrest buyers or traffickers,” he said.
A total of 59 victims were also rescued during the multistate operation. Most victims were located in Kentucky, which included two minors. Beshear said that it is believed to be the first human trafficking operation involving multiple states.
