Two people arrested in human trafficking investigation

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Police say they rescued a woman from a human trafficking operation and arrested two men in connection with it.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) said with the assistance of Airdrie RCMP and Calgary police, they arrested 31-year-old Reginald Kwame Boakye on Tuesday.

“Boakye allegedly targeted vulnerable young women and newcomers to Canada and lured them into the sex trade through manipulation, grooming and coercion,” ALERT said in a press release.

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A handgun and ammunition were found in his possession, although Boakye is subject to a lifetime ban on owning firearms due to previous offences, they said.

The arrest follows ALERT's identification of a female victim last month, said the agency funded by the province to combat serious and organized crime.

“The survivor received support resources through ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinator and was able to escape the sex trade,” ALERT said.

Boakye is charged with offenses related to human trafficking, sex advertising, pimping and several firearms-related charges.

He was remanded in custody until his court appearance on July 4.

Deng Majak Achuil, 28, who police say is an associate of Boakye, was also arrested in connection with the same investigation.

He was wanted on 35 outstanding arrest warrants and for violating numerous conditions of release. He was also charged with obstructing justice.

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