Calgary police lay human trafficking charges

City police have laid charges against two young Calgary men, after a human trafficking investigation.

In February, officers responded to a disturbance at a local hotel.

When they arrived, they found a 17-year-old girl who appeared to be the victim of human trafficking. Because she was a minor, she was taken into custody under the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act.

As police continued to investigate, they found a second victim who was 19-years old.

18-year-old Abdullah Amer and 19-year-old Balal Jeha face a string of charges, including living off the avails of a prostitute under the age of 18 and trafficking in a minor.

This is only the second time Calgary police have laid human trafficking charges.