Fort Smith, Ark. – Twelve adults believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services, and another 32 local victims were identified as part of Operation VOICE, which took place in Fort Smith during January. One suspected trafficker was identified.
Arkansas State Police and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council conducted the single-day operation, focusing on providing victims with essential services, including food, lodging, medical assistance, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
Prior to and during the operation, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers worked to identify local victims. In preparation, two children were removed from exploitative, vulnerable, and unstable conditions. All minors were taken into protective custody, while adult victims received support services.
The operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of representatives from federal, state, local, and non-government organizations, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Arkansas Fusion Center, along with victim advocates and medical personnel from The Genesis Project, ReClaim, Into the Light, ACASA, Crisis Intervention Center, and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team.