Sudbury men face drug, driving charges in wake of sex worker outreach program

Greater Sudbury Police say several men were noticed "trolling" Kathleen Street as officers were conducting arecent outreach program for sex workers.

In a press release issued Friday, officials with the GSPS said the goal of their outreach program is to identify and approach sex workersto educate them and provide them with contact information for support servicesincluding personal safety in the community.

Police said that, over a six hour period on July 12, seven womenwere identified as being involved in street level prostitution. Several men and vehicles were seen trolling the area during the same time period, police noted.

Police are reminding the public that sex workers are victims of exploitation, and it is not illegal for a person to sell themselves for sexual purposes. They stated in the release thatsex workers"are victims and those who exploit them are criminals."

No charges were laid in relation to the "trolling" incidents, but one man was served a drivingsuspension notice.

During the outreach, officers witnessed a drug deal, and arrested a 31-year-old Sudbury man.

Officers found $1,000 worth of Hydromorphone and Methamphetamine tablets and $2,000 in cash andcharged him with trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.