Dallas Police Conduct Targeted Human Trafficking Operation

The Dallas Police Department carried out "Operation Safe Streets" last week, leading to the arrests of eight men who are now charged with state jail felonies related to prostitution.

The department posted an update about the operation to social media on Wednesday afternoon. According to the post, detectives pursue leads and investigate the networks that endanger victims and further the cycle of abuse during these operations.

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During a targeted operation last week, investigators with the Place Network Investigations and Human Trafficking units, along with officers from Northwest Patrol, arrested eight offenders who were allegedly attempting to pay for sex.

The eight men arrested vary in ages from 20-42. They are all charged with state jail felonies related to prostitution.

"By disrupting the channels used to make these purchases, law enforcement can intervene and rescue victims of exploitation and prevent further abuses," the post states. "The Dallas Police Department remains committed to this important work every day, in every neighborhood we serve."

According to Just Exits, there are an estimated 79,000 victims of sex trafficking in Texas at any given time. As one of the state's largest cities, Dallas is an epicenter for sexual exploitation, with its underground commercial sex industry generating $99 million in profits every single year.

As such, addressing the issues of prostitution and human trafficking are a priority for Dallas-area law enforcement and prosecutors.