Authorities on Monday announced a “first-of-its-kind” Human Trafficking Investigation Unit on Long Island.

The unit will work closely with victims to target high-level “traffickers” and prostitution “ringleaders,” officials said.

“What we are stating loud and clear today is that this is not a victimless crime. These are criminal organizations, these are individuals, who are targeting the most vulnerable among us in order to advance their criminal enterprise,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said at a press conference. “This will not be tolerated, accepted, in any way in Suffolk County.”

Bellone was joined by District Attorney Timothy Sini, Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart and Michael Osbourn of the FBI to announce the 10-person unit, which formally started in March after a five-month pilot program.

Police investigating reports of assaults, robberies and drug use at local motels determined that prostitution and human trafficking played a role, a county spokesman said.

The unit consists of four detectives, two police officers and four high-ranking Suffolk County cops who veer from “traditional methods,” in which victims are put through the criminal justice system and ultimately end up back on the street, Hart said.

“Indeed, human trafficking is a silent epidemic,” Hart said, adding that victims are often addicted to opioids. “These individuals who are being trafficked are vulnerable, alone, are being forced or coerced into prostitution, and they need help.”

The police department has had “unprecedented cooperation” from the victims, she noted.

Since the program launched, the unit has identified and provided services to 37 victims, Hart said.

Police have arrested 19 people on 47 counts on trafficking-related offenses, and indicted nine additional traffickers on a total of 160 counts — including 75 counts of sex trafficking and 50 for promoting prostitution.