Joint Efforts Busts a Human Trafficking Operation in Columbia

Multiple agencies combined to bust a human trafficking operation in Columbia Friday night. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office reports the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and a multitude of other local, state, and federal agencies conducted a successful joint human trafficking operation at the Holiday Inn East hotel in Columbia. The operation resulted in the rescue of nine victims. The participating agencies made contact with two children. Additionally, two suspects were detained, and the investigation is ongoing.

The victims were offered services, including food, lodging, onsite medical services, counseling/therapy and drug rehabilitation.