A two-day, multi-agency police operation targeting human trafficking in the Valley has led to the arrest of 18 people, according to Mesa Police Department.

Officials say the East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force’s “Buyer Reduction” operation on August 5th and 6th resulted in multiple arrests for prostitution and other sex-related crimes, largely centered around Country Club Drive and the US 60 in Mesa. The operation was set up to combat trafficking and crime in the area.

“Eighteen arrests were made over the two days for adult prostitution unless otherwise noted below. The East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force will continue working diligently to reduce human sex trafficking and crime in the East Valley,” the department said.

The following agencies worked with Mesa Police in the operation: the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Scottsdale Police Department and the Tempe Police Department.