3 Washington men arrested during sex trafficking sting in Portland

​In an effort to combat human trafficking, a recent sting operation in Northeast Portland led to the rescue of two teenagers and the arrest of nine individuals, including three men from Washington state.

The operation, conducted throughout February, focused on the area around Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard, a location that the community have long complained about as a hotspot for what police said was “activity related to sex trafficking.” ​

The Portland Police Bureau trafficking (PPB), in collaboration with multiple agencies, spearheaded the operation.

The nine individuals arrested face charges related to commercial sexual solicitation and unlawful prostitution procurement. Among those apprehended, were three from Washington, according to KPTV. ​

The other six individuals arrested were residents of Oregon.

​What happened to the teen girls?

The two teenagers rescued during the operation have been reunited with their families. Their ages were not disclosed to protect their privacy.

Authorities also impounded one vehicle and gathered additional information on other suspected clients, traffickers, and ongoing investigations related to sex trafficking.

This operation is part of a broader initiative by the PPB to address human trafficking in the region.

In the previous month, a similar mission in the same area resulted in the arrest or citation of 30 individuals aged between 19 and 70, hailing from Oregon, Washington, and one from Florida.

Community members are encouraged to report suspected trafficking activities by calling 911, the PPB’s non-emergency line at 503-823-3333, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. ​

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