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TRURO, N.S. —

A four-month, multi-jurisdictional police investigation led by the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Team has resulted in a Nova Scotia man being charged with multiple human trafficking, sex and drug offences.

Morgan MacDonald, 31, of no fixed address was remanded into custody until a March 11 bail hearing following a brief appearance Friday in provincial court in Truro.

MacDonald is facing 31 charges, including four counts of trafficking in underage persons involving minors from Truro and Dartmouth.

He was arrested Thursday morning by the Human Trafficking Team, with assistance from the New Brunswick RCMP, outside the Atlantic Institution in Renous, N. B., where he had been serving time for an unrelated matter. The arrest was made without incident and MacDonald was transported to Colchester District RCMP.

“The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Team is focused on holding human traffickers accountable to the full extent of the law while connecting victims with the resources and supports they need,” RCMP Cpl. Jen Clarke said, in a news release. “We hope these charges represent a step forward in the healing process for the victims.”

Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, she added. “The signs are often there, but it can be challenging to piece together. That is why it is so important to know what to look for.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who suspects that they are, or have been trafficked, or if you know of someone who is being trafficked or have information related to this investigation, is asked to contact the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Team at 902-449-2425. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) is a nationwide hotline.

The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Team is leading the investigation with assistance from Colchester District RCMP, the Vice Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, Truro Police Service and New Brunswick RCMP.

Other charges MacDonald is facing include:

- receiving a financial or material benefit knowing it resulted from human trafficking;

- two counts of procuring a person to offer or provide sexual services;

- advertising sexual services;

- receiving a material benefit from sexual services;

- four counts of luring a child;

- possession of child pornography;

- three counts of uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death;

- intimidation of a justice system participant;

- two counts of break, enter, and commit an indictable offence;

- three counts of assault;

- five counts of trafficking cocaine;

- trafficking MDMA/ecstasy;

- two counts of trafficking clonazepam.

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Signs of human trafficking include:

· met someone (i.e. boyfriend) who treats the victims like a prince or princess;

· starts to withdraw from family and friends (i.e. limits social media use);

. constantly having to check in with someone via cell phone with an urgency to call or text a response;

· changes in physical appearance (such as having hair and nails done);

. unexplained gifts;

· new clothing, lingerie, designer shoes and handbags;

can be escorted and/or watched;

· is isolated from friends and family;

· new tattoos (can indicate branding or ownership);

· moves addresses frequently and/or often stays in hotels;

· unexplained injuries or bruises.