One man from West Bay is facing sex and human trafficking charges after a year-long investigation by the RCMP.
Police say they believe there may be additional victims they do not yet know about, according to a news release, and they encourage people to come forward.
“Investigators’ first concern is the wellbeing of victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane with the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit in the release.
“We encourage victims to come forward and we recognize the strength and courage it takes to do that.”
They say their investigation began a year ago in June, and on Wednesday, officers searched a home in West Bay, where they arrested two men and a woman. They also found items that supported charges related to human trafficking, drug trafficking, and weapons offences.
Hubert Alexander Matthews, 63, from West Bay Centre is facing multiple charges, including for trafficking people, material benefit from sexual services, and drug and weapons charges.
Harriet Battiste, 61, from the same place faces drug tracking and weapons charges.
According to We’koqma’q Chief and Council have banned them both from the community following an emergency Council meeting with RCMP, Friday.
“Your safety and well-being are top priority,” says We’koqma’q in a statement on social media. “The RCMP will ensure that anyone who comes forward is protected and provided with a safe, confidential space to shae information.”
The second man arrested in the case was released “pending further investigation,” according to police.
