Human trafficking investigation in Ontario leads to five arrests, seizure of weapons, drugs [Video]

Five people have been arrested in connection with a two-year-old human trafficking ring operating across the GTA.

London Police Service started a human trafficking investigation involving a Pickering man in 2023, with Durham Regional Police taking over the investigation the following year, establishing a Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence partnership with police in London dubbed Project Aserale.

Durham’s Human Trafficking, Tactical Support, Robbery and Offender Management Units executed search warrants at homes in Pickering, Thorold and Oshawa last month with investigators seizing two firearms, approximately 1.5 kgs of cocaine, a large quantity of other narcotics and more than $115,000 in cash

Five people, including three from Pickering, were arrested.

Police say Pickering’s Michael Mitchell. 33, was using strip clubs and online platforms to traffic victims throughout the GTA. He was arrested March 22 and has been charged with five human trafficking-related counts as well as robbery and narcotic trafficking.

Police are concerned there may be additional victims.

Also charged is Katelyn Sergnese, 26 of Thorold, with drug …