On September 16, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service attended a residence in the western area of Winnipeg to check the well-being of two adult females reported being held there against their will.
Attending West and North District officers located the two victims to verify their safety. A large number of illicit drugs, including Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Xanax prescription pills, Psilocybin mushrooms, Fentanyl, and Marijuana (Estimated Street Value: $86,000) were seized by officers, as well as a loaded sawed-off .22 calibre rifle, a 9mm Glock handgun, various ammunition, and a canister of bear spray repellant. Indicators of human trafficking were also observed.
The Counter Exploitation Unit assumed the investigation and learned the suspect had met one of the victims through a dating app while residing in a neighbouring province and had manipulated her to believe they were involved in a romantic relationship. Once trust had been formed, the female, along with a second adult female victim, was transported to Manitoba, where the suspect procured both victims to work as escorts selling sexual services for his financial profit. The victims were forced to create and post social media advertisements offering sexual services. The suspect took their identification and utilized electronic devices to track their movements.
On September 18, 2024, Randy Norman HAMILTON, 46, of Saskatchewan, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking in Persons x 2
- Procuring a Person to Provide Sexual Services x 2
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x 5
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized x 2
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order x 2
- Sexual Assault
He was detained in custody.
Both victims were transported to safety, and appropriate resources were provided to assist them.
The Winnipeg Police Service would like to thank partner agencies, The Salvation Army and the Red Dress Team, for their assistance and their integral role in providing resources and assisting the victims in this investigation.
To learn more about human trafficking or to better recognize the signs of human trafficking, please visit the link below: