Arkansas State Police (ASP) launched a human trafficking investigation named Operation BRIGHT (Bringing Rescue and Intervention to Give Hope and Triumph), in which 16 adults believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services, and another 79 local victims were identified. One suspected trafficker was identified during the operation which was based in Little Rock.
ASP and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council conducted the recovery operation over a single day, offering victims services such as food, lodging, on-site medical services, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
“Because of the hidden nature of human trafficking, it is extremely difficult to locate and reach out to victims,” said ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar. “We have a moral obligation to extend services and support to those who have fallen victim to the manipulation, lies and violence of traffickers. The law enforcement community must work collectively to provide resources to this vulnerable population.”
This effort follows a similar operation that happened on Hot Springs in May where 25 adults were identified and 7 were contacted and offered services.
The operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts from Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Little Rock Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cabot Police Department, Benton Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Arkansas Fusion Center, along with victim advocates and medical personnel from the Regional Intervention of Sexual Exploitation “RISE,” The Genesis Project, Into the Light, ACASA, Saline County Safe Haven, Lonoke County Safe Haven, and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team.
Operation BRIGHT is a coast-to-coast multi-state effort to combat human trafficking that saw coordination from law enforcement agencies and private organizations in Arkansas, New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, New Mexico, California, Minnesota, and Washington.
ASP cannot release any further details now as the investigation is ongoing.
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