A 37-year-old man with ties to Newmarket is wanted in connection with a human trafficking investigation that has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures of more than $30,000 in suspected drugs.
South Simcoe Police Service received a report last May of a woman being held in a residence in Innisfil for the purpose of providing sexual services. Initial investigation identified two men as being involved in trafficking the female victim and exploiting her for financial gain, according to a police news release.
The female victim reported that one of the suspects had sexually assaulted her, police said.
South Simcoe Police Service launched Project Chameleon, an initiative funded by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO), to combat human trafficking in our communities.
As the investigation progressed, three suspects were identified as being responsible for posting online advertisements for sexual services in relation to several women from Bradford and Innisfil, including the original female victim, police said.
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, in partnership with the York Regional Police and Barrie Police, South Simcoe police executed search warrants at a residence in Innisfil and Newmarket. Police seized more than $30,000 in suspected illicit street drugs, including fentanyl, crystal meth, cocaine and a quanity of pills believed to be oxycodone, police said.
Police are working with support agencies to assist the victims identified in this investigation.
The following people were arrested and charged with the offences listed below:
- Tyrone Aaron Dias, 38, of Innisfil — trafficking in persons x 1, material benefit from the trafficking of persons x 1, material benefit from sexual services x 1, Advertising Sexual Services x 1. In addition, Dias was also charged with several drug related offences - possession for the purpose of trafficking x 4 and possession of a controlled substance x 4.
- Jashyna Singh, 29, of Brampton — trafficking in persons x 1, material benefit from the trafficking of persons x 1, material benefit from sexual services x 1, advertising sexual services x 1. In addition, Singh was also charged with several drug related offences - possession for the purpose of trafficking x 4 and possession of a controlled substance x 4.
- Royden Reis, 38, of Barrie — possession for the purpose of trafficking x 4 and possession of a controlled Substance x 4.
All arrested parties were held for bail hearings, police said.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time as investigators are seeking the whereabouts of Oneil Burnel Hopkinson, 37, with ties to Newmarket and Brampton.
An arrest warrant is being sought for Hopkinson regarding the following offences: trafficking in persons x 1, material benefit from the trafficking of persons x 1, material benefit from sexual services x 1, advertising sexual services x 1, sexual assault x 1.
Victims of human trafficking can seek assistance by contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010.
If there is anyone who can provide additional information related to this investigation, contact the investigators listed below or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Det. Const. Holly Murray – [email protected] or 905-775-3311 x 1009
Det. Const. Dan Raymond – [email protected] or 905-775-3311 x 1027
Det. Const. Andrew Smith – [email protected] or 905-775-3311 x 1043
