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Eighteen men were arrested and six missing at risk youths were taken off the street following a Project Return sweep this past weekend.

Winnipeg police officers including members of the Counter Exploitation/Missing Persons Unit in partnership with community outreach workers such as StreetReach, Winnipeg Outreach Network, Resources Assistance for Youth (RAY), MaMaWi, and the Bear Clan Patrol initiated a joint project from Friday to Sunday with the aim of protecting youth within the city who are at a high risk of being sexually exploited. The sweep targeted 64 locations known to be frequented by high-risk missing youths.

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The 18 men ranged in ages from 19 to 74 and were arrested for obtaining sexual services for consideration. As well, 16 vehicles were seized under the Highway Traffic Act for prostitution offences and four Deter and Identify Sex-Trade Consumers (D.I.S.C.) Stops were conducted.

Six reported missing, at risk youths were located with each transported to a place of safety. Four of them were arrested for outstanding warrants. Thirty-seven Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPTSD) contacts were made to identify and assist those involved in the sex trade.